Just a few decades ago people thought that our bodies and brains simply went dormant while we slept. After years of research and studies, we now know that’s not true. Our brains and bodies are still active and recharging as we sleep. As a natural necessity to live and and stay healthy, there are so many questions surrounding the science of a good night’s sleep.
How do you achieve a good night’s sleep? Why is it so important?
We’re going to answer these questions and give you one big tip for how to get the perfect night’s sleep.
Stages of Sleep
Scientists and researchers have determined that there are four distinct stages of sleep. You’ve probably heard of REM sleep, which is the deepest level of sleep you can get, but do you know about the three stages before then?
Stage 1
The first stage of sleep lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes right after your body starts to fall asleep. It is a quick and smooth transition into the second stage.
Stage 2
This stage can last from 10 to 60 minutes and it prepares your body for a deeper sleep. While your brain waves are still fairly active, you are still resting and recharging your body during this time.
Stage 3
During the third stage of sleep, which lasts from 20 to 40 minutes, your brain waves start to slow down and your body’s functions start to relax. Your breathing becomes deeper and slower and your muscles don’t tense.
Stage 4
It’s in this stage where you reach REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep. This is the deepest sleep you can achieve and it lasts from 10 to 60 minutes. During this stage your muscles are almost paralyzed, but your brain wave activity starts to increase. Your eyes may also start moving as you dream. In this stage you’ll experience your most vivid dreams.
When you can reach the REM stage, you’re already on your way to a great night’s sleep.
Why We Fall Asleep
Sleep is a natural necessity for every human. There are chemicals in our bodies that make us sleep, such as melatonin. This natural chemical releases when the sun starts to set and it gets dark.
Our circadian rhythm, which is like our internal 24-hour clock, also helps tell our bodies when it is time to sleep.
We only have so much energy that we can exert until it’s time to sleep and recharge. So, getting a good night’s sleep is of utmost important.
The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s sleep not only helps us feel refreshed and energized for the next day, but it helps our brains function. When we sleep, the communication between our prefrontal cortex and the part of the brain that influences our self-control becomes stronger. It also helps us manage our emotions and regulate mood.
This is one of the reasons getting a good night’s sleep is so important for those who want to lose weight. When we don’t get enough sleep, our self-control is weaker, which means we don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to food, activities, and more.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Even though our bodies naturally tell us when it’s time to go to sleep, there are some things we must do to make sure we get a good night’s sleep.
Setting a good sleeping atmosphere is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Your room should be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and be almost pitch black. You can achieve this with blackout curtains.
It’s also important to have a comfortable mattress that is ideal for your sleeping position. Make sure the firmness level is good and that it isn’t too old. Mattresses older than fifteen years should be replaced with a new one.
It’s also a good habit to stop using bluelight screens like your phone, television, or computer at least an hour before going to sleep.
The Perfect Mattress for a Good Night’s Sleep
Are you ready to greatly improve your sleep quality? Then it’s time to start looking for a new mattress.
Custom Mattress Makers has a number of high-quality and comfortable mattress of every firmness level. Plus, you can fully customize the size and shape for your needs.
Browse our mattress options and see which one is best for you.