Understanding the Stages of Sleep
Sleep is not a single, continuous state. Throughout the night, our brain cycles through four distinct stages: Stage 1 (Light sleep transition), Stage 2 (Light sleep), Stage 3 (Deep sleep, or slow-wave sleep), and REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement, where dreaming occurs).
Why Sleep Quality Beats Quantity
90-Minute Cycles
Completing full cycles (typically 5 or 6 cycles a night, translating to 7.5 or 9 hours) allows the body to complete physiological repair, cell cleaning, and memory consolidation.
Deep Sleep Benefits
Stage 3 deep sleep is when the body releases growth hormones, repairs tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.
REM Rest
During REM sleep, brain activity increases, resembling an awake state. This stage is crucial for cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and memory processing.