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Schematic illustration of a normal sleep cycle. The standard figure given for the average length of the sleep cycle in an adult man is 90 minutes. N1 (NREM stage 1) is when the person is drowsy or awake to falling asleep. Brain waves and muscle activity start to decrease at this stage. N2 is when the person experiences a light sleep.
Known as slow-wave sleep or stage 3 non-REM sleep, this is the deepest stage of sleep and the hardest to wake up from. Brain activity slows down, muscles and bones strengthen, hormones regulate ...
The basic rest–activity cycle (BRAC) is a physiological arousal mechanism in humans proposed by Nathaniel Kleitman, [1] hypothesized to occur during both sleep and wakefulness. Empirically, it is an ultradian rhythm of approximately 90 minutes (80–120 minutes [ 2 ] ) characterized by different levels of excitement and rest.
The Oxford English Dictionary's definition of Ultradian specifies that it refers to cycles with a period shorter than a day but longer than an hour. [1] The descriptive term ultradian is used in sleep research in reference to the 90–120 minute cycling of the sleep stages during human sleep. [2]
Sleep plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and appetite. When sleep deprived, the metabolic system will be out of balance, which will ultimately affect the dietary choices people make. Teens who are sleep deprived crave more carbohydrates. Sleep deprivation is a risk factor for obesity among young adults. [7] [medical citation needed]
Conversely, more sleep regularity was protective against heart attack and stroke. A new study found an increased risk of cardiovascular events in people with irregular sleep patterns, even when ...
Cycles of REM and non-REM stages make up sleep. A normal healthy adult requires 7–9 hours of sleep per night. The number of hours of sleep is variable, however the proportion of sleep spent in a particular stage remains mostly consistent; healthy adults normally spend 20–25% of their sleep in REM sleep. [5]
Polyphasic sleep is the practice of sleeping during multiple periods over the course of 24 hours, in contrast to monophasic sleep, which is one period of sleep within 24 hours. Biphasic (or diphasic , bifurcated , or bimodal ) sleep refers to two periods, while polyphasic usually means more than two. [ 1 ]