Answer:
Stages of Sleep
Sleep is divided into two main categories: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. NREM sleep has three stages, and REM sleep has one stage. Each stage of sleep is associated with different brain activities and physiological functions.
Stage 1: NREM Sleep
NREM stage 1 is the lightest stage of sleep and is the transition stage between wakefulness and sleep. During stage 1, the brain begins to slow down and the body relaxes. It is characterized by the slowing of breathing and heart rate, and a decrease in muscle activity.
Stage 2: NREM Sleep
Stage 2 is the next stage of NREM sleep. This is a deeper sleep stage in which the body continues to relax and the brain begins to produce short bursts of electrical activity called sleep spindles. During this stage, the body temperature begins to drop and the heart rate slows further.
Stage 3: NREM Sleep
Stage 3 is the deepest stage of NREM sleep. During this stage, the brain produces slow, large brain waves called delta waves. This stage is also known as slow wave sleep or deep sleep. It is important for physical and mental restoration and is when growth hormone is released.
REM Sleep
REM sleep is the last stage of sleep and is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased heart rate and respiration, and increased brain activity. This stage is important for memory consolidation and the processing of emotions.
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