Track 21: Sleep and Rest Patterns

Sleep and rest patterns are the cycles of sleep that people experience throughout the night. Sleep patterns are made up of two types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. 

Sleep cycles

A typical sleep cycle lasts 90 to 110 minutes. 

Most people cycle through four to six sleep cycles per night. 

The first part of a sleep cycle is NREM sleep, which is made up of three stages. 

The final part of a sleep cycle is REM sleep. 

As the night progresses, people spend less time in deep NREM sleep and more time in REM sleep. 

Sleep stages 

NREM sleep: The first part of a sleep cycle, which includes stages 1, 2, and 3.

Stage 1: The transition from wakefulness to sleep.

Stage 2: The beginning of the sleep phase.

Stage 3: Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep.

REM sleep: The final part of a sleep cycle, when eyes move rapidly behind closed eyelids.

Sleep quality

Sleep quality can be affected by factors like diet, exercise, stress, and medications. 

A good sleep routine can help improve sleep quality.