Sleep

Austin Haire

What is Sleep?
A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli

What Does Sleep Do For Me?

Recharges your brain Repairs cells in body Releases important hormones into body Increases rate of cell division and protein synthesis Helps us remember and think creatively May play role in growth process Controls weight gain

How Does Sleep Work?

Stage 0: relatively awake and alert. Brain produces what are known as beta waves, which are small and fast. As brain begins to relax and slow down, slower waves (known as alpha waves) are produced. May experience hypnagogic hallucinations. Common examples of this phenomenon include feeling like you are falling or hearing someone call your name. Myoclonic jerk: startling suddenly for seemingly no reason at all (While it may seem unusual, these myoclonic jerks are actually quite common).

Stages Cont.
Stage 1: beginning of the sleep cycle (relatively light stage of sleep). Considered a transition period between wakefulness and sleep. Brain produces high amplitude theta waves, (very slow brain waves). Lasts only a brief time (around 5-10 minutes). If you awaken someone during this stage, they might report that they weren't really asleep.

Stages Cont.
Stage 2: lasts for approximately 20 minutes. The brain produces bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain wave activity known as sleep spindles. Body temperature starts to decrease and heart rate begins to slow. Stage 3: Deep, slow brain waves known as delta waves begin to emerge. Transitional period between light sleep and a very deep sleep.

Stages Cont.
Stage 4: referred to as delta sleep because of the slow brain waves known as delta waves that occur during this time. Deep sleep that lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Bed-wetting and sleepwalking are most likely to occur at the end of stage 4 sleep.

Stages Cont.
Stage 5: Most dreaming occurs during this stage known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is characterized by eye movement, increased respiration rate and increased brain activity. Also referred to as paradoxical sleep (while brain and other body systems become more active, muscles become more relaxed). Dreaming occurs because of increased brain activity. Voluntary muscles become paralyzed.

How Much Sleep Does One Need?

Amount of sleep needed daily depends on age Babies need the most, almost 16 hours People over 65 need about 6 hours

Are There Effects of Oversleeping?

Diabetes Obesity Headaches Back Pain Depression Heart Disease Higher Death Rate

What About Too Little Sleep?

Cancer Fatigue Hypertension Diabetes Obesity Decreased productivity Not enough = death

What Are Dreams?

A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. A dream can include any of the images, thoughts and emotions that are experienced during sleep. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague; filled with joyful emotions or frightening imagery; focused and understandable or unclear and confusing.

What are Possible Sleep Disorders?

Parasomnia: makes one perform unnatural sleep movements, even though one is asleep Insomnia: the inability to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. Often a symptom of another problem (stress, anxiety, depression, or underlying health condition).

Sleep Disorders Cont.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS): causes an almost irresistible urge to move your legs (or arms). The urge to move occurs when resting or lying down, usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, aching, or creeping sensations. Sleep apnea: common sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to blockage of the upper airways. These pauses in breathing interrupt your sleep, leading to many awakenings each hour.

How Do I Know If I Have a Disorder?

Do you . . . feel irritable or sleepy during the day? have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading? fall asleep or feel very tired while driving? have difficulty concentrating? often get told by others that you look tired? react slowly? have trouble controlling your emotions? feel like you have to take a nap almost every day? require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you may have a sleep disorder

Have Studies Found Anything About Sleep?

Blind people still dream 2% of teenagers still wet the bed 12% of people dream in black and white Men dream of other men 70% of the time You are paralyzed while you sleep Your dreams respond to external stimuli Quitters have more vivid dreams You forget 90% of your dream 10 minutes after you wake

Is There Sleep Hygiene?

Yes, and to help your sleep cycle, follow these steps: Do not take naps during the day Sleep when you are actually sleepy Get into a routine Associate bed with sleep Do not create anxiety about not sleeping

QUESTIONS?