Download Sleep and Dreaming: can occur in any of the four stages of sleep

Sleep and Dreaming:
can occur in any of the four stages of sleep, but the most vivid and memorable dreams occur in the last
stage of sleep (also commonly referred to as REM sleep). The sleep cycle repeats itself about an
average of four to five times per night, but may repeat as many as seven times. Thus, you can see how
a person has several different dreams in one night. However, most people only remember dreams that
occur closer toward the morning when they are about to wake up. But just because you can't remember
those dreams do not mean that they never happened. Some people believe that they simply do not
dream, when in reality, they just don't remember their dreams.
The Stages Of Sleep
The stages in the sleep cycle are organized by the changes in specific brain activity.
Stage 1: You are entering into light sleep. This stage is characterized by Non-rapid eye movements
(NREM), muscle relaxation, lowered body temperature and slowed heart rate. The body is preparing to
enter into deep sleep.
Stage 2: Also characterized by NREM, this stage is characterized by a further drop in body temperature
and relaxation of the muscles. The body's immune system goes to work on repairing the day's damage.
The endocrine glands secrete growth hormones, while blood is sent to the muscles to be reconditioned.
In this stage, you are completely asleep.
Stage 3: Still in the NREM stage, this is an even deeper sleep. Your metabolic levels are extremely
slow.
Stage 4: In this stage of sleep, your eyes move back and forth erratically as if watching something from
underneath your eyelids. Referred to as REM sleep or delta sleep, this stage occurs at about 90-100
minutes after the onset of sleep. Your blood pressure rises, heart rate speeds up, respiration becomes
erratic and brain activity increases. Your involuntary muscles also become paralyzed or immobilized.
This stage is the most restorative part of sleep. Your mind is being revitalized and emotions is being fine
tuned. The majority of your dreaming occurs in this stage. If you are awakened during this stage of
sleep, you are more likely to remember your dreams.
These stages repeat themselves throughout the night as you sleep. As the cycle repeats, you will spend
less time in stages 1 to 3 and more time dreaming in stage 4. In other words, it will be quicker and
quicker for you to get to stage 4 each time the cycle repeats.