Most of the thing around us does not happen just randomly, instead follows a pattern, including sleep. Yes, you may or may not be aware of it, since you remains so indulge in sleep, while sleeping on orthopedic mattress. So, now that we have your attention, let’s discuss the different stages of sleep.

Even though you remains in a trans-state during your ZZZs state, a lot happens in your body. It switches between sleep cycles namely, REM and non-REM. So, what is this REM, Rapid Eye Movement for sure, but what does it mean? You are about to find it out. But let’s discuss the non-REM first.

The sleep cycle

The sleep is first initiated with Non-REM and then followed by a shorter period of REM, when one cycle, the cycle starts over again.

Non-REM sleep

It comprises of three stages, where each of them usually lasts for about 5 to 15 minutes. You go through every stage before you finally reach to REM sleep. While you are in NREM cycle, your body repairs and heals, along with building muscle and bones and strengthening the immune system. Sleeping on a right orthopedic mattress, helps you even more to repair your back aches.

Stage 1– After you lay down and close your eyes, this stage initiates and can last between 5 to 10 minutes. Even though, you have started sleeping, you can get back to being fully awake in a matter of seconds. It can be distinguished by experiencing ‘hypnic jerk’, a feeling of falling from a height and suddenly jerking awake in bed. The blood pressure decreases along with slowing the breathing in this stage.

Stage 2– It usually last for about 20 minutes, and can be distinguished by slower heartbeat and lower body temperature. Your body is experiencing a light sleep and limits its activities, getting ready for a heavy sleep. As your brain begins to emit waves with larger wavelength, it becomes more difficult to wake you up. We spend almost 45 percent of the entire sleep duration in stage 2.

Stage 3– It is the deep sleep stage and initiates after 35 to 40 minutes of sleep. Your body stops responding to external disturbance and it becomes even more difficult to wake you up. Even if someone does, you are likely to feel disoriented for a few moments. At this stage the REM takes over gradually.

REM sleep

REM is characterized by your eyes move rapidly in various directions, which does not happen in the previous cycle. This is the stage, when you dream. The first episode of REM last mere for 10 minutes, but as you keep sleeping, eventually, the REM span gets longer up to an hour. It lasts only about 20 percent of the entire sleep duration.