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Discover the Benefits of Deep Sleep: Necessary Hours and Key Factors

Discover the benefits of deep sleep: necessary hours and key factors to improve your quality of life. Optimize your nighttime rest periods!...
Author: Patricia Alegsa
02-10-2024 15:16







  1. The Sleep Cycle and its Phases
  2. The Importance of Deep Sleep
  3. The Functions of REM Sleep
  4. Factors That Affect Sleep Quality

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The Sleep Cycle and its Phases



Each night, the human body goes through a sleep cycle that is divided into various stages, known as the sleep-wake cycle. This process includes non-REM (rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phases that repeat continuously.

Understanding how these stages work is essential to appreciate deep sleep and its impact on our health.

According to Professor Russell Foster, director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, the cycle begins with non-REM sleep, which is divided into three phases.

The first is a transition between wakefulness and sleep, the second is a state of deep relaxation, and the third is deep sleep, where brain activity shifts to slower waves, crucial for physical and mental recovery.

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The Importance of Deep Sleep



Deep sleep not only refers to the number of hours of rest but also focuses on the quality of it.

During the third stage of non-REM sleep, the body and mind carry out vital processes, such as memory consolidation and problem-solving enhancement.

Foster explains that it is in this phase when the information learned is stored in long-term memory. Moreover, studies reveal that people who sleep adequately have a greater capacity to find innovative solutions.

Deep sleep also plays a protective role in cognitive health. Research from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that this phase may act as a “cognitive reserve factor,” helping to protect against dementia-related diseases.

Lack of deep sleep has been associated with cognitive problems, emphasizing the importance of this stage in mental health.

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The Functions of REM Sleep



The REM phase is equally significant, as it is responsible for emotional processing. During this stage, the brain manages and processes the emotional experiences lived throughout the day.

REM sleep deprivation is linked to higher levels of anxiety and can exacerbate disorders such as post-traumatic stress, making it difficult to process emotions effectively. It is crucial to understand that both deep sleep and REM are vital for maintaining emotional and cognitive balance.

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Factors That Affect Sleep Quality



Various variables can influence the quality of sleep, from the physical environment to emotional conditions. The resting environment, such as the room temperature and mattress comfort, plays a crucial role in sleep quality.

On the other hand, physical conditions such as sleep apnea and mental health issues can disrupt sleep patterns, causing difficulties in falling asleep or fragmenting it.

Most people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, with 25% of that time dedicated to deep sleep and another 25% to REM sleep. However, this need can vary depending on age and other individual factors. As we age, the amount of deep sleep we require tends to decrease, which may increase the risk of cognitive problems.

Therefore, prioritizing quality sleep is essential to improve quality of life and maintain good physical and mental health.

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