Understanding the stages of sleep: keys to a restorative night

Sleeping is one of the activities we excel at! And for a good reason, we spend about one-third of our lives snoozing.

However, according to the barometer of Santé Publique France, the French have lost 1 to 1.5 hours of sleep time in 50 years. While 1 in 3 French people sleeps less than 6 hours a night, 1 in 5 suffers from sleep disorders.

Sleep experts agree: the quality and quantity of sleep have a significant impact on our overall well-being. Therefore, understanding the stages of our sleep and their roles could be one of the secrets to better sleep! Let's keep our eyes open and see this together. 👀

When you fall into the arms of Morpheus, your body doesn't stop functioning!

On the contrary, sleep is a nocturnal dance that takes place in 4 to 7 successive movements. These are what we call the sleep cycles. ✨ Each one lasts about 90 to 110 minutes and is divided into 3 sleep stages.

1. Stage 3, paradoxical sleep (N4):

Paradoxical sleep is the REM sleep phase (Rapid Eye Movement). It is indeed the only sleep phase during which rapid eye movements occur under your eyelids. And for good reason, during this sleep period, your pulse quickens and your brain activity is as intense as when awake! 🧠 However, you are deeply asleep, and your muscles remain immobile. Although you can dream at any time of the night, paradoxical sleep is the most conducive to dreams. The duration of paradoxical sleep, N4 stage, is roughly equivalent to that of deep sleep.

Paying attention to sleep quality is essential for staying healthy and feeling good! Maintaining a good sleep hygiene promotes the regeneration of the body and the repair of tissues. Each sleep stage plays a specific role in this great nightly cleansing:

1. Falling asleep (N1) is a period conducive to relaxation and unwinding. Your muscles relax, and accumulated tensions gradually dissipate.

2. Light sleep (N2) strengthens your short-term memory and helps you remember important information learned during the day. It also promotes physical recovery.

3. Deep sleep (N3) allows your body to regenerate by eliminating metabolic waste. It aims to boost your natural defenses to enhance your immune system. Your body and mind can then recharge and recover from accumulated fatigue.

4. Paradoxical sleep (N4) helps strengthen your long-term memory and regulate your emotions. The quality of paradoxical sleep is crucial for managing stress and anxiety and gaining perspective.

Therefore, sleep disorders, an imbalance between sleep stages, or nocturnal awakenings can cause symptoms due to lack of sleep. In the long term, lack of sleep can have harmful consequences on overall well-being.

💡 American researcher Timothy Roehrs compared the performance of sleep-deprived individuals with those who had consumed alcohol. He subjected them to memory and attention tests. Here are the results of his study:

1. Sleeping 4 hours is equivalent to 5 beers;

2. Sleeping 2 hours is equivalent to 8 beers;

3. One sleepless night is equivalent to 10 beers.

Some studies suggest that dietary supplements can help improve sleep quality.

This is the case with our Sleep Formula! Composed of slow-release melatonin, it promotes falling asleep for deep sleep. You can count on its clever natural blend based on plant extracts:

1. Lemon balm, known for its relaxing properties;

2. Passionflower, promotes restorative sleep;

3. California poppy, facilitates falling asleep and improves sleep quality;

4. Hops, calms nocturnal agitations.

In conclusion, understanding sleep stages is essential for restorative nights that rejuvenate the body and mind.

Adopting good practices and creating a sleep-friendly environment can transform your quality of life. For those looking to improve their rest, explore natural solutions like our Sleep Formula.

Sleep well to live better! 🌙✨