It is normal for sleep cycles to change as we progress through our nightly sleep. The first sleep cycle is often the shortest, ranging from 70-100 minutes, while later cycles tend to fall between 90 and 120 minutes. In addition, the composition of each cycle — how much time is sp...

This is because as people age, they spend less time in the deep, restful stages of sleep and are more easily awakened. Older people are also more likely to have medical conditions that affect their sleep, such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and heart problems.

One earlier misconception that has now been revised is that the body completely slows down during sleep; it is now dear that the body’s major organs and regulatory systems continue to work actively – the lungs, heart and stomach for example.

Another important part ...

Our body requires less sleep the older we get.

Whilst, it is true that babies need 16 hours compared to 9 hours and 8 hours respectively for teenagers and adults, this does not mean that older people need less sleep.

However, what is true if that for a number...

2. Deep Sleep

• Stages 3 non-REM sleep – a state of deep and restorative sleep known as slow-wave sleep, or delta sleep. The muscles relax, the supply of blood to the muscles increases, and the body repairs and grows tissue. Hormones are released and energy stores are re...

• During REM sleep, our brain is almost as active as it is when we are awake.
• In this phase of sleep, breathing can become fast and irregular.
• REM sleep is thought to help consolidate memories.
• Drinking alcohol before bed reduces the amount of REM sleep we have.

1. Non-REM sleep (sometimes called NREM), which includes light and deep sleep, accounts for about the majority of our sleeping time.

2. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is where we may spend some of our time dreaming. This typically takes pl...

1. Light Sleep

• Stage 1 non-REM sleep – a person in this stage is between being awake and asleep or is in a state of very light sleep.
• Stage 2 non-REM sleep – this stage is characterized by a slightly deeper sleep. Body temperature drops and hea...

In a nutshell, sleep deprivation is caused by consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep. Getting less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis can eventually lead to health consequences that affect our entire body.

Some of the side effects of sleep deprivation in...