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Sleep soundly and awaken refreshed by understanding the sleep cycle


Have you ever had difficulty sleeping for hours, only to awaken feeling dizzy and exhausted? The problem of morning fatigue on workdays causes you to feel exhausted and unrefreshed immediately upon awakening. What is the root

cause of this issue, despite the fact that you have slept extensively? If you want to wake up refreshed and ready to take on a new day, let's examine the sleep cycle that can assist in transforming your tired morning awakening into a revitalizing one.

What exactly is a sleep cycle?

Each sleep cycle lasts between 90 and 120 minutes and consists of four stages:

  • NREM Stage1: This is when you feel drowsy and desire sleep. Our brains start to slow down during this period.
  • NREM Stage2: During this stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep, your heart rate slows, and your body temperature decreases in preparation for deeper sleep.
  • NREM Stage3: This is the deepest stage of non-REM sleep. The body does not react to the surrounding environment.
  • Rapid Eye Movement (REM): This is when the brain resumes activity shortly before awakening.

How crucial is the sleep cycle?

Each stage of sleep performs varied tasks, such as the slowing down of the brain, pulse, heartbeat, and body temperature in preparation for the recovery and repair of various systems of the body, including the secretion of vital hormones and dreaming. If you awaken during the rehabilitation of the body or throughout this cycle, it will have a negative effect on your body and prevent it from properly regenerating.

How much attention should the sleep cycle receive?

The sleep cycle essentially works for everyone, including those who sleep less or for longer durations. For example, if you do not get enough rest, your body will not be rejuvenated, you will become fatigued, and this will negatively impact your other organs. If you do not pay attention to your sleep cycle, you may wake up feeling exhausted and with a stagnant brain. Consequently, you should focus on the sleep cycle for the sake of your overall health.

How to effortlessly manage the sleep cycle

Typically, one cycle lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. Therefore, before going to bed, determine when you need to get up in order to go to bed for a complete cycle, such as:

  • If you wish to wake up at 6 a.m. and one cycle lasts approximately 90 minutes, you must count back 90 minutes or one and a half hours to reach a cycle. Approximately four to five cycles are sufficient for the human body.
  • If you go to bed at 21:30 and wish to wake up without being disturbed between cycles, count 90 minutes at a time, for instance 23.00, 00.30, 02.00, 03.30, 05.30, 06.30. If you awaken once the cycles are complete your body will be refreshed and not exhausted.

You should now have a better understanding of the benefits of the sleep cycle. But some people may believe they can extend their lifespan by sleeping less and waking up before the sleep cycles are complete! However, insufficient daily sleep has detrimental impacts on the body. Therefore, the greatest approach to maintaining a healthy body is to sleep 4-5 cycles or 6-8 hours per day. You may sleep less when you have to finish your assignments or watch your favorite show if you have completed a sleep cycle and wake up at the perfect time to stimulate your mind!