Have you ever experienced at one point wherein you are in the middle of a great dream and suddenly for some reason you are awakened? Not a good feeling right? Today I am going to write about the human sleeping cycle, its types and stages, and from there explain how dreams take place during our reduced consciousness. But before that, let me give an accurate definition of sleep.
Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or lacking consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. It helps in conserving energy yet decreases metabolism at about 5 - 10%. (www.wikipedia.com) According to studies, it takes at least one third of our lives or 25 years in doing this very routine activity. Here are some cute pictures of people having a sound sleep.
Normal sleep has two definite phases: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. They both occur at about 90 minute interval in a cyclical process.
It is during the REM sleep phase where most of our dreams are recalled. In children, they have fewer REM sleep periods and have longer stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep. Older adults, on the other hand, have lesser stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep and have more waking periods.
During REM sleep, it is difficult to arouse a person and becomes longer in the process. If then aroused, he or she may recall an animated and bizarre dream. Unpleasant dreams or nightmares, however occur in NREM sleep. The same happens on sleep walking among children.
To end this up, here are practical ways to promote a good sleep:
1. Sleep at a specific time at night and arise at a specific hour in the morning. This conditions the mind and body to anticipate sleep and waking.
2. Remember grandma's old time remedy. Drink warm milk before bedtime.
3. Perform your own bedtime rituals such as night shower, read a book, or listen to music before sleep. In doing so, you are unwinding mentally.
4. Eliminate loud noises and destructive sounds.
5. Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks 6 hours before bedtime.
6. Avoid heavy meals or strenous exercise before sleep. Indigestion can interrupt sleep.
Sweet dreams! Have a sound sleep!
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4 comments on "Sleep tight tonight"
This is a great start! And you have a cute page also
Wow! Nice blog best! I love the layout :-) Natawa ako sa mga pictures nung mga tulog. haha Ang sarap nung mga tulog nila. I'm really glad that you started your own blog. Blogging is really fun! You can express yourself through writing and impart useful information to other people as well. Looking forward for future entries! :-)
to rhodora:thanks for dropping by. i'm so excited for more entries and i'm thinking of other stuffs to put in to make this page more catchy & creative to the views of readers. ^_^,
to mylovelylife88: thank u best! i can't wait to post new entries in the future. Can u suggest any health topic which u think would be interesting? ^_^,
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