Stages of Sleep
Psychology has described sleep as periodic, natural, reversible loss of consciousness. Over a period of time our bodies fluctuate and so does our mind. These physiological fluctuations are called biological rhythms. These rhythms are controlled by our biological clock, or circadian rhythm. Around every 90-100 minutes we go through a series of sleep stages called cycles. When you slip into sleep you do not know you are sleeping until you wake up. Sleeping is marked by slow breathing and irregular brain waves. We slip into Stage 1 of sleep, which lasts up to 5 minutes and may produce images. Sometimes these images resemble hallucinations-sensory experiences which occur with out sensory stimulus. You may feel as though you are falling or floating. These hypnologic sensations later may be incorporated into memories. As you relax deeper you begin about 20 minutes of Stage 2 sleep, which is marked by periodic appearances of sleep spindles-which are bursts of fast, rhythmic brainwave activity. You can still be awakened with out much difficulty during Stage 2 of sleep, but you are definitely asleep. Sleep talking may occur during this and other sleep stages. After Stage 2 you move for a fe
Depriving yourself of sleep has not yet conclusively shown why, physiologically, we need sleep. Sleep may have played a role in human evolution. Sleep may have evolved for two reasons. First it fits our ecological niche-sleep protects and second sleep helps us recuperate. Research shows sleep is linked to the release of pituitary growth hormones, as adults grow older they release less of these hormones and spend less time sleeping deep. Sleep may also help restore brain tissue and consolidated memories. During the time we are awake our brain produces adenosine, which inhibits certain neurons, making us tired. During sleep adenosine concentration declines. While asleep our brain is active repairing and organizing. Most people sleep 9-10 hours nightly. With 9-10 hours of sleep we are refreshed, have better moods, and perform more efficiently and accurately. Sleep consumes around one third of our lives-or 25 years on average. A major effect of loss of sleep is not only drowsiness but malaise. Today more than ever people suffer from sleeping patterns that effect them from feeling awake and energized. To properly manage your life you need enough sleep to wake naturally and well rested so you can be alert, productive, healthy, and happy. Not sleeping enough is not just for your health, it also can result in accident patterns. Studies
Some common words found in the essay are:
Description Psychology, Studies United, Explanation Depriving, Unlike Stage, rem sleep, stage 2, deep sleep, stage 1 sleep, stage 1, stage 3, stage 4, 1 sleep, stage 3 stage, 2 sleep, loss sleep, people sleep, stage 2 sleep,
Approximate Word count = 910
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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