The 4 Stages of Sleep & Why They Are Important

Most people don’t put much thought into the different stages of sleep. After all, when you are asleep, you don’t notice that changes that happen throughout the night. There are four different stages of sleep, but if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, you may not be reaching all of them. Continue reading to learn about the different stages of sleep and why they are necessary for you to achieve quality rest.

Stage One: Light Sleep

The first stage of sleep is light sleep. This is the phase you are in when you first begin to drift off. Your body is still alert to a certain degree. However, outside stimuli could still easily wake you for these few minutes. This stage usually lasts between five and ten minutes and can be considered a transition period between wakefulness and sleep. If someone wakes up during this time, they may not even realize that they were asleep.

Stage Two: Fairly Light Sleep

During this time, you become less aware of your surroundings, your body temperature drops, and your breathing and heart rate become more regular. Your brain produces bursts of rapid, rhythmic brainwave activity known as “sleep spindles.” The American Sleep Foundation reports that people spend about 50% of their sleep at this stage.

Stage Three: Deep Sleep

This is the stage where your muscles completely relax. Your blood pressure drops, and your breathing rate slows down. This is when you are sleeping the deepest. You are less responsive to noise and activity around you. Deep, slow brain waves called “delta waves” emerge. This is your body’s opportunity to repair the muscles and tissues that were damaged during the day. It is also crucial for growth and development in children and teenagers.

Stage Four: REM Sleep

REM stands for “rapid eye movement.” At this point, your brain becomes more active, your body starts to relax, and your move rapidly. This is the time of night when you are most likely to have dreams due to increased brain activity.

How Can Sleep Apnea Impact Your Sleep Stages?

If you have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, that constantly wakes you up in the night, you won’t be spending as much time in the third and four stages of sleep. Most of the sleep you have will take place in stages one and two. Your physical and mental health are likely to suffer. For exactly, lacking sleep means weaker immunity, higher blood pressure, memory problems, mood changes, and more. These issues get worse as time progresses.

If you feel fatigued during the day or are experiencing other signs of sleep apnea, schedule a visit with a professional. This way, you can work toward quality, restful sleep.

About the Practice

At GoTo Sleep Center for CPAP Alternatives, we have a team of skilled sleep apnea dentists serving patients in the Glendale community. If you are showing signs of sleep apnea and are struggling to achieve quality sleep, we’d be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (623) 600-4215.