Your Sleep Cycle Explained
Each night while you’re sleeping, your body goes through five different stages of sleep that are divided into two types ⎼ non-REM and REM sleep.
During REM, also referred to as rapid eye movement, your brain is almost as active as if you were awake. Most dreams occur during this phase of sleep, which plays a significant role in processing new information, memories, and emotions.
REM sleep causes the mind and body to experience a number of changes, such as:
- Rapid eye movement
- Fast and irregular breathing patterns
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Changes in body temperature
Sleep, Sleep Apnea, and Your Health
Getting enough sleep, specifically in REM, is an essential part of your physical and emotional health. It’s common to feel irritable and fatigued after a restless night. However, without sufficient REM sleep, you’re at higher risk for developing serious health problems, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep can also be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a common yet serious sleep disorder that causes a blockage in your airway, preventing you from breathing properly. When this happens, your body sends a signal to your brain to wake up and gasp for air. These frequent interruptions impact REM sleep, as well as the quality and quantity of sleep.
Quality versus Quantity
It’s important to get at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep, depending on which age group you fall into. However, getting enough hours of sleep doesn’t always play a part in how well you sleep throughout the night.
There are several factors to take into account when determining your quality of sleep, like:
- Falling asleep in 30 minutes or less
- Staying asleep throughout the night
- Being in REM for at least 85 percent of your sleep
- Going back to sleep quickly if you wake up
Quality and quantity of sleep go hand in hand, varying from each person according to their genetic and environmental influences. Without quantity, you can’t have quality, and vice versa.
How Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Help
From traditional CPAP machines to comfortable oral appliances, there are a number of sleep apnea treatments to help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of sleep. They work by eliminating the obstruction in your airway, allowing you to breathe properly and soundly.
It’s important to seek treatment immediately after receiving your diagnosis to prevent serious health consequences. Tackling your sleep apnea will improve your quality of sleep, boost your mood, and benefit your overall health. You’ll be amazed at the difference a full night’s rest can have on your body, both mentally and physically.
Dr. Rebecca Lauck has completed over 2,500 hours of continued education and holds two diplomate degrees in Sleep Apnea Treatment, among several additional accomplishments. She’ll go the extra mile to ensure each patient receives quality, personalized sleep care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
To learn more, give us a call at (817) 431-6764 and we’ll schedule your free consultation with Dr. Lauck. We look forward to helping you get a better night’s rest.