You’re looking for a healthy sleep cycle? Start here first.
In the United States, one in three adults does not get enough sleep. The CDC recommends that adults between the ages of 18-60 get at a minimum, seven hours of sleep every night for the best overall health and well-being.
But the real question is, what does a healthy sleep cycle look like?
For those looking for the best, check out this ultimate guide on what a healthy sleep cycle looks like so you can say goodnight to sleepless nights.
Read on to learn more.
Understanding the Sleep Cycle
The first step in how to have a healthy sleep cycle is to understand the sleep cycle. There are two fundamental types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Non-REM rest has three primary stages of sleep:
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
In Stage 1, you go from wakefulness to sleep. This stage typically only lasts a few minutes. During this time, your breathing, eye movements, and heartbeat all slow down. You may experience a few minor muscle cramps.
During Stage 2, your muscles relax further, and your body temperature drops. All eye movement ceases, and you have occasional bursts of electrical impulses in the brain. Stage 2 is repeated more than any other location during sleep.
Stage 3 is the most resonant period of sleep you experience, and it is necessary to feel well-rested in the morning. Brain waves are at their slowest, and it is very challenging to be awoken.
REM sleep is when you experience most dreams. During REM, your eyes rapidly move back and forth under closed eyelids, and your leg and arm muscles become temporarily paralyzed. As you age, you spend less sleep in REM.
Breakdown of a Healthy Sleep Cycle
For the best restful sleep for a healthy sleep cycle, let’s take a look at a breakdown of a healthy sleep cycle. For a healthy adult, they should spend 13 to 23 percent of their sleep in Stage 3.
During this stage, your body heals, and you experience things such as:
- Memories are processed
- Learning and emotions are consolidated
- Physical healing occurs
- Brain detoxifies
- The immune system is rejuvenated
If you do not get enough deep sleep, it can cause lasting health issues. If you’re struggling to get enough deep sleep, check out this option for a better night’s sleep that may be right for you.
If you continue to have issues sleeping, and it impacts your everyday life, consult with your medical healthcare professional, as there may be more serious underlying issues.
What Does a Healthy Sleep Cycle Look Like?
What does a healthy sleep cycle look like? If you want to know about the most nutritious sleep cycle, be sure to consult this guide to learn everything you need to know.
What are you waiting for? A full night’s sleep awaits!
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