Every time you fall asleep, your body embarks on a process known as the sleep cycle. You go through four unique stages of sleep, each of which is important for making sure you benefit fully from your nightly shuteye. What happens during these stages, and how might sleep apnea disrupt your cycle? Continue reading below to find out.
Stages 1 and 2: Light Sleep
The first two stages of sleep are referred to as “light sleep.” During stage one, your breathing, heartrate, and eye movements all slow down, but you might still be somewhat aware of your surroundings. A bright light or sudden noise could easily arouse you. In fact, you might not even realize that you had fallen asleep.
After 5 – 10 minutes in stage 1, you transition into the second stage of sleep. Your awareness of your surroundings is greatly reduced, and your body temperature dips. Your eyes stop moving, and your brain starts to emit a unique type of wave known as sleep spindles. Most people spend about half of their total sleep time in stage 2.
Stages 3 and 4: Deeper Sleep
When you enter stage 3, you are officially in “deep sleep.” It becomes much more difficult to awaken you. Your body is actively working to repair tissues that incurred damage during the day, and your brain is consolidating new memories. You also experience a rise in cytokine levels, which is important for proper functioning of your immune system.
When you make it to stage 4, your eyes may start to move rapidly (which is why stage 4 is also known as rapid eye movement or REM sleep). Your heartrate and blood pressure become elevated, and your breathing is shallower. Your brain is still working to process and consolidate memories. You are more likely to experience dreams during stage 4.
Sleep Apnea and the Sleep Cycle
A healthy person should complete the entire sleep cycle in 1 – 2 hours, and the process should repeat itself a few times throughout the night. If you have sleep apnea, though, your condition can disrupt this important cycle. Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing, which send your body into panic mode. Microarousals can pull you out of the deeper stages of sleep and prevent you from fully benefiting from them.
An inadequate amount of time in the deeper stages of sleep could adversely affect various aspects of your health, including your memory, emotions, and more.
Fortunately, sleep apnea is highly treatable. Many people have found success by using a custom oral appliance from a dentist. It keeps the airway open and prevents breathing disruptions.
The human sleep cycle is amazing! Do all you can to protect it so your body and brain can function at their best.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mitch Conditt has decades of experience in dentistry. In recent years, he has dedicated his career to helping patients conquer sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you believe that the quality of your sleep is not what it should be, he and our team are ready to consult with you. Contact Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center at 817-527-8500.