Lecture Hall
Chapter 3
After their conversation, Elise and Emma packed their belongings and proceeded onto the highway towards Somerset University. Gradually, the skies shifted in color – from open sapphire skies into gray clouds with tiny pockets of sunlight hovering above.
As they approached the edifice of the building, mixtures of various branded cars and SUVs before them stood motionless – parked in rows as students had already claimed the convenient places to park their vehicles.
The walls of the school building were brushed with majestic strokes of pearl white over the cement and mortar as Elise and Emma walked inside towards their lecture hall.
Moments later, they were inside a classroom filled with brainy quotes as a group of students remained seated. A bearded masculine figure stepped forward, disheveled in appearance but his attire still retained professionalism with a stylish tie knotted over a white shirt.
“Good morning. Last time we were here, we’ve gone through the levels of consciousness and today we will continue this discussion.” The professor turned to the whiteboard, noting with a black marker:
Chapter 9
He turned around with a swift motion – grabbing a stack of papers off his desk with a remark, “In addition, your grades for the midterm will be given to you today. Please pass these on to the gentlemen and ladies behind to you,” as he handed them the tests by row.
“As expected, most of you did well,” turning his attention to the whiteboard.
“And we will begin with the following:”
A slide appeared on the board:
Sleep
-4 cycles of sleeping
-Rem
-Circadian rhythm
-Sleeping disorders
“One more thing I need to say: If you recall what I had assigned to you as a part of your final grade, your dream journals must be handed in before the end of this semester.”
The next slide appeared on the board: 4 Cycles of Sleeping:
“During the initial start of sleeping, stages 1 and 2, the brain emits alpha waves which then slowly transition into theta waves – these wavelengths emanate a high frequency but with a low-amplitude.
“Think of these waves as a drop of rainwater into a lake. A small drop creates a ripple in the water moving in all directions. If it remains tranquil and undisturbed – then this ripple will travel further, encompassing more of the spaces around it as it passes. The spaces between the ripples are like intervals.
“In stage 3, as theta waves move slower progressively through time, the brain sends rapid brainwaves approaching Stage 4: delta waves – which is where the body begins to optimally rejuvenate and repair itself.
“Delta sleep is important in replenishing the body’s chemical supplies, releasing growth hormones in children, and fortifying our immune system. A person deprived of delta sleep will be more susceptible to illness and will feel physically tired. Increasing exercise will increase the amount of time we spend in stages 3 and 4.”
Then he presented the next slide: Rem Sleep
-Rem = Rapid Eye Movement.
“Prior to the stages to falling asleep, the eyes remain closed as the body recuperates and synchronizes with the brain. Then as brain releases neurotransmitters and chemicals to the body as the muscles, tissues, and cells relax and undergo restoration, the eyes transition from non-REM to REM sleep. Stages 3 and 4 is where REM sleep is most prevalent
“I am sure you are all familiar with the term -”
– Elise began to close her eyes midway in the lecture, as a sensation of drowsiness sank in. Falling into a meditative state of consciousness, she could still feel her breath as well as a soft wind escaping through an opening of a window.
Displayed outside, the afternoon skies were covered by clouds of gray – signs that a rainstorm was likely imminent.
A subtle resonance of rain drops began to fall on the windows and pavement forming a hypnotic pattern – like a lullaby, soothing and tranquil rhythms of flowing rainwater as Elise slowly wandered adrift in thoughts, light headed and submerged into a daydream..