Did you know there are four stages of sleep your body should experience during your 7-8 hours of sleep each night? Frustratingly, sleep apnea can interrupt this sleep cycle, causing your body to not get the full benefits of sleep! Allow us to explain.
Understanding Different Sleep Stages
There is much more to sleeping than drifting off and waking up again 8 hours later. Your body is going through a process and stages to repair, rejuvenate, and rest. If sleep apnea disrupts this cycle, your body suffers! Discover the different stages of sleep:
Stage N1 (NREM 1) – During this stage, you are likely drifting off to sleep but can be aroused easily. Dreams begin to form, but you are not in a deep dream state, yet.
Stage N2 (NREM 2) – Once you move on from Stage N1, you enter Stage N2 where your heart rate and breathing begins to slow, but don’t worry! Your body is doing exactly what it should to help you transition into a deep sleep.
Stage N3 (NREM 3) – Also known as Delta Sleep, Stage N3 is one of the most important stages of sleep! (Arguably, all stages of sleep are very important.) During Stage N3, your body is repairing and rejuvenating the different parts of your body.
Stage R (REM) – Stage R is our deep sleep state where we dream vivid dreams! REM, which stands for rapid eye movement, occurs during this stage. Our body begins to have a faster heartbeat and irregular breathing during this stage.
Sleep Apnea & Sleep Stages
Understandably, your physical, mental, and emotional health needs all of these four sleep stages to proceed without interruption. If sleep apnea disrupts this cycle, your body cannot make the necessary repairs to prepare yourself for the next day. You will feel like you’re running behind or low on energy, and that does not make for a productive or enjoyable workday. If you have sleep apnea, Dr. Tomlinson can discuss what treatment option is best for you based on the culprit.
Call us today to discuss your sleep apnea condition: 706-549-5033