How Much Deep Sleep Do You Need?
In this article, we’ll examine the importance of getting enough deep sleep and how to attain deep sleep. We’ll look at who doesn’t get enough deep sleep and tips to help you get more of It. Finally, we’ll examine the consequences of not getting enough deep sleep. While the need for deep sleep is very real, it’s often difficult to attain it. This is understandable, as deep sleep helps your body repair itself.
What Is Deep Sleep?
This stage of sleep is beneficial for a number of reasons. People in deep sleep are less alert to their surroundings, reduce their breathing and heart rate, and increase their ability to form memories. Scientists are still trying to pinpoint the exact purpose of deep sleep, but they know that everyone needs it to function at their best. Not getting enough restorative sleep increases your chances of developing diseases and developing thinking and memory problems.
The brain processes memory and overall learning during deep sleep. It also regulates blood sugar levels and promotes the production of human growth hormone. Deep sleep helps your body repair itself by strengthening the immune system and regulating glucose metabolism. A 2020 study suggests that deep sleep supports memory consolidation and improves cognitive skills. In addition to enhancing memory, deep sleep also helps the brain process information quickly and efficiently. A deep sleep also protects your body from injury and disease.
Who Doesn’t Get Enough Deep Sleep?
The stages of sleep known as deep sleep are important for human health. During these sleep stages, our body repairs itself and clears our brains of waste. Lack of deep sleep is linked to impaired immunity, increased risk for heart disease and chronic diseases, such as cancer. Insufficient sleep can lead to frequent arousals and a lack of energy when you wake up in the morning. It can also affect your daily functioning and make you prone to depression and other mood disorders.
Studies have shown that a large part of deep sleep is spent in the first half of the night. Alcohol consumption close to bedtime can disrupt this sleep phase. Sleep trackers are a good way to monitor your quality of sleep. The best sleep trackers provide a detailed breakdown of your sleep cycle, including total time in each stage, number of awakenings, and amount of deep sleep. You can also keep a sleep diary, noting any changes in your sleeping pattern.
Tips for Getting More Deep Sleep
During deep sleep, muscle tissues repair themselves, and the body regenerates cells. Without enough sleep, you may feel stiff and sore the next day and struggle to concentrate. To get more deep sleep, start relaxing before bed and turn off electronic devices at least one hour before you go to sleep. These tips may also help you get better rest at night. Let’s explore how to get deeper sleep and make it more regular in your life.
A few tips to improve the quality of your sleep include
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption in the evening
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding huge meals right before bed.
- Consume supplements rich in magnesium for sleep.
If none of these suggestions work, consult with your doctor. If you’re experiencing sleep problems due to a medical condition, such as insomnia, a doctor’s visit may be in order. A medical check-up may be necessary to rule out any underlying health problems that may be preventing you from sleeping.
Conclusion
When we sleep, we spend most of our time in REM sleep, also known as slow wave sleep. Children spend half their time in this stage, while adults spend twenty to twenty-five percent of their time in the deepest levels. While our brains require approximately one hour of deep sleep per eight-hour sleep cycle, our bodies naturally regulate the amount of deep sleep. Regardless of age, we all need one to three hours of deep sleep each night to stay healthy and happy.
