Sleep Cycle: What Happens When You Sleep
Actively Asleep
Scientists used to think that people were physically and mentally inactive during sleep. But now they know that’s not the case. All night long, your body and brain do quite a bit of work that’s key for your health. There are two main types of sleep that we cycle in and out of when we rest — REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep.
Non-REM Sleep
You begin the night in non-REM sleep and spend most of your rest time there. It starts light, in the “N1” stage, and moves to the deep “N3” stage. During this progression, your brain becomes less responsive to the outside world, and it gets harder to wake up. Your thoughts and most body functions slow down. You spend about half a normal night’s sleep in the “N2” phase, when scientists think you file away long-term memories.
Continue Reading: https://www.medicinenet.com/sleep_cycle_body_brain/article.htm?ecd=mnl_spc_053122
ARTICLE SUBMITTED by Pat France, MSRN Member
