The five stages of sleep:
While we sleep, our body goes through five stages. The size and speed of electrical brainwaves at each stage are different, and they are measured using an Electroencephalogram, or EEG.
Stage 1 - Drifting off
During stage 1, you are just starting to fall asleep, feeling drowsy. You may still be aware of noises in the background, and your muscles will still actively engage (hypnogognic jerk occurs). Easily woken and eyes make a flicker. The sleep waves on EEG (electroencephalogram) are used to indicate the sleep stage - Theta waves, (4-7 Hz). This stage lasts only minutes. Heart rate and breathing rate slow further as you fall into a deeper sleep than stage 1, becoming less responsive. You may feel groggy if you wake during this stage but may not be aware you were asleep.
Stage 2 After 10 mins
Sleep waves on EEG (electroencephalogram) are used to indicate the sleep stage - Theta waves, (4-7 Hz). Lasts only minutes. The deepest stages of sleep, getting gradually deeper - unresponsive. The body is fully relaxed, and there is no eye movement.
Stage 3 & 4 - After 25 mins
Theta waves plus sharp spikes called Sleep Spindles: half-second bursts (12-15 Hz) - to prevent you from wakening. Lasts roughly 25 minutes. The deepest stages of sleep, getting gradually deeper - unresponsive. The body is fully relaxed & there is no eye movement.
Stage 5 REM - After 90 mins
The fifth stage of sleep is known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep and typically is where dreams occur. Delta waves: (3 Hz). Known as REM sleep, this is the stage that you are most likely to dream. Some bodily repair occurs at this stage, including muscles and tissue repair. Only loud noises or shaking would wake you - leaving you feeling groggy and disoriented on waking.
Why is REM Sleep Important?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep is important for many reasons, including bodily repair, immune system strengthening, and the occurrence of dreams.
What Happens During REM Sleep?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep is the stage where you are most likely to dream, and some bodily repair occurs, including muscles and tissue repair as well as immune system strengthening.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain. It reveals abnormalities in the pattern of brain waves. This non-invasive procedure is performed by an EEG machine to diagnose various conditions with an EEG, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders, brain tumors, head injuries, encephalitis, and other brain diseases.
How Long is an EEG Test?
The duration of an EEG test is typically about 30-60 minutes, including the preparation and recording time
EEG Test Procedure
During an EEG procedure, small metal discs, or electrodes, are attached to the scalp to detect brain activity. The electrodes are connected to an EEG machine that records the electrical signals as brain waves.
What is EEG Test Used to Diagnose?
An EEG test can diagnose conditions such as epilepsy, seizure disorders, brain tumors, head injuries, encephalitis, and other brain diseases.
10 Conditions Diagnosed with an EEG
An EEG test can diagnose epilepsy, seizure disorders, brain tumors, head injuries, encephalitis, and other brain diseases.
EEG Full Form
EEG stands for Electroencephalogram, which is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain.
EEG Test Price
The price of an EEG test varies depending on the healthcare provider and the location, but it is generally an affordable and non-invasive diagnostic procedure.
EEG Test Side Effects
An EEG test is a safe procedure but may sometimes cause side effects such as skin irritation from the electrodes or discomfort during electrode removal.
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is released from the pineal gland when the body detects darkness. Melatonin has numerous benefits, including improving sleep quality, regulating circadian rhythms, and acting as a powerful antioxidant.
Melatonin Hormone Function
Melatonin is a hormone that makes us feel sleepy, and it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin Benefits
Melatonin has numerous benefits, including improving sleep quality, regulating circadian rhythm, and acting as a powerful antioxidant.
How to Increase Melatonin Hormone
To increase melatonin levels, it is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, reduce exposure to bright light at night, and consider melatonin supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What Happens When Melatonin Levels are High?
When melatonin levels are high, it can lead to drowsiness and may affect alertness during the daytime.
Why is Melatonin Banned in the UK?
In the UK, melatonin is classified as a medicine, and its use is regulated. It is available by prescription for treating sleep disorders and other conditions related to melatonin deficiency.
Melatonin Side Effects
Melatonin supplements may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and nausea, especially at higher doses.
Lack of REM Sleep Symptoms
A lack of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability.
How Long Does REM Sleep Last
The length of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep varies but increases with each sleep cycle, ranging from 5 to 45 minutes in each cycle.
Is REM Sleep Good?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. It supports brain function, emotional health, and overall cognitive performance.
Individual differences in circadian rhythms, such as age, culture/environment, and chronotype, can influence the amount and quality of sleep required. Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern and observing good sleep hygiene practices can help ensure a restful night's sleep.
