Sleep Stages, Sleep Cycle, and the Biology of Sleep
Psych Explained・2 minutes read
Understanding the complexities of sleep, including the circadian rhythm, brain functions, neurotransmitter activity, and sleep stages, is essential due to the significant amount of time we spend asleep in our lives. The interplay between internal and external factors, such as the hypothalamus, pineal gland, neurotransmitters, and sleep cycles, regulates the depth and quality of our sleep, impacting our overall health and well-being.
Insights
- Sleep, a third of our lives, is regulated by the circadian rhythm, controlled by light and dark signals through the eye, with the hypothalamus acting as an internal thermostat for sleep, hunger, and temperature regulation.
- Different stages of sleep, from light non-REM to deep REM, are crucial for bodily repair, memory consolidation, and learning, with sleep cycles progressing through these stages in a 90-minute pattern, favoring more REM towards morning for an ideal night's rest.
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Recent questions
What regulates sleep patterns in the body?
The circadian rhythm, controlled by light signals.
What neurotransmitters are involved in sleep?
Serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA.
What happens during REM sleep?
Rapid eye movements, muscle paralysis, and dreaming.
How is deep sleep beneficial for the body?
Release of growth hormones and body repair.
What is the role of the reticular activating system in sleep?
Controls arousal, consciousness, and sleep stages.
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