Sleeping is one of the natural human needs necessary for our optimal functioning of the body and mind. However, as we have seen above, too many people underestimate the role and even the value, not mentioning the need, of sleep. In fact, the sleep cycle is divided into several stages, such as non-rem (no rapid eye movement) and rem sleep, and they all have their benefits when it comes to physical and mental well-being.
Non-REM sleep consists of three stages: To further understand and explain the molecular structures of the three complexes formed by the enclathration of water molecules, the following notations are used: N1, N2, and N3. N1 is the least darker stage in which the human’s body is getting prepared for sleep from wakefulness. N2 is another stage, where one falls into a deeper sleep, activity of the heart and breathing, becomes slower. N3 or the deep or slow wave sleep is very important for restoration processes that encompasses strategic bodily functions such as muscles repair, immune boosting, and growth processes.
REM sleep is characterized by increased eye movement, previous high muscle tone and brain wave activity that resembles the wake state. The postsynaptic stage, in this case, involves feelings, memory formation and strengthening or learning while the cognitive processes are also held in this region. REM and non-REM sleep are pivotal for restorative and balanced sleep, which is essential during nighttime.
Lack of sleep or sleep of low quality is known to be one of the main causes of various diseases, and its consequences include reduced brain activity, weakened immune system, and potential for increase in various chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, appreciating the science of sleep makes people grasp its necessity and recognize the importance of following the correct scenario for sleep, that means adherence to a strict regime, minimizing noise and light in the bedroom, and eschewing stimulants in the evening, for leading a healthy life.