When asleep, your body cycles through 3 non rapid eye movement (NREM) phases and 1 rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. It usually takes approximately 120 minutes to go through all these 4 stages which will repeat between 4-6 times every night. The stages are as follows: Stage 1: Happens when you first fall asleep and also known as a kind of twilight time. It is brief and lasts up to 10 minutes in most sleepers. Here your body temperature decreases, heart rate becomes regular and breathing begins to slow down. The sleeper is still easily awakened and might deny having slept. Stage 2: An intermediate stage of sleep. It lasts about twenty minutes. The sleeper will gradually descent deeper into sleep, becoming more and detached from the outside world and difficult to wake up. Here the sleeper will not see anything even if the eyes are open but can easily be awakened by sounds. Stage 3: The beginning of deep sleep, happens about thirty to forty-five minutes after you first fall asleep. Here your brain waves reach their lowest levels while your heart rate and breathing slows down even more. This stage is also known as the healing stage, where tissue growth and repair takes place. Important hormones are also released while cellular energy is restored. Stage 4: REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement or the deepest sleep. Your first REM cycle begins about 90 minutes after you fall asleep. Your eyes will move quickly behind your eyelids and your brainwaves are similar to someone who is awake. In fact, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure will also rise to near awake levels. REM sleep is known for the most intense dreams, which is explained by the significant brain waves activity. This stage is believed to be essential to cognitive functions like memory, learning and creativity. Babies can spend up to 50% of their sleep during this stage as compared to only about 20% of adults. Sleep stages are important because they allow the brain and body to recuperate and develop. You can achieve healthier sleep cycles by having good sleep hygiene. Start making your bedroom a place of comfort and relaxation. Invest in the best mattress like Sealy Posturepedic that promotes correct spinal alignment so you can achieve uninterrupted sleep along with quality bedding like pillows, bedsheets, blankets that will help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. It is recommended to create a consistent sleep schedule; go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays. Be smart in how you use technology before bed and avoid inappropriate substances that may cause fragmented sleep. Learn more https://sealy.com.my/2022/07/08/deep-sleep-for-better-health/ #startrightwithsealy #sealycaresforyou #whysealy #mosttrustedbrand #mattress #sleepfirstclass