Discover The 5 Stages of Sleep and How It Relates To Insomnia

All people have natural rhythms and specific cycles of sleep.  Insomnia is caused by a lack of sleep and sleeping is one of the most important functions for our human body.  Sleeping is not just one cycle but a series of 5 mini cycles or stages.  Each of the 5 stages has a specific purpose and each cycle lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours.  It is also possible for some cycles of sleep to repeat thoughout the night.

STAGE 1 - This is when you get tired and drowsy.  This stage lasts about 10 minutes and if you awake during this stage you will feel very tired and as if you never fell asleep in the first place.

STAGE 2 - This is your REM (rapid eye movement) stage.  Your eyes will dart back and forth (quick and random movements).  You will enter REM sleep within 90 minutes of initially falling asleep.  REM sleep is also where you will have dreams.  Your body goes through some changes like increased heart rate, rising blood pressure, breathing speeds ups, and your muscles will tense.  This is an important part of your restorative sleep cycle.

STAGE 3 - During this stage your body will naturally relax and get itself ready for a stages of deep sleep.  The eyes will stop their random movement, muscle will once again begin to relax, and your heart rate will return back to it's normal pace.

STAGE 4 - This stage is the first stage of deep sleep cycles.  Your body temperature will begin to lower slightly and your muscles will become even more relaxed.

STAGE 5 - At this stage will be your most deepest sleep cycle. It will be the most intense stage of relaxation and rest for your body.

If you awaken or interrupt any of these stages of sleep (from snoring, restlessness, etc) it will be like a short cirtcuit to your body preventing you from gaining the time needed to restore your body back to it's full healthy state.  Sleep is as vital to us as food, water, and air! Insomnia is the number one cause that prevents people form getting a good nights rest.  To learn more about sleep disorders and insomnia…

Insomnia - How to Get a Good Night's Sleep To Restore Your Body