MECHANISM OF SLEEP OR SLEEP MOTIVATION
Stages of Sleep
Stage 1
This is the stage where we are going from a waking stage to a relaxed stage. Stage 1 sleep, which lasts for about 2 minutes, is characterized by relatively rapid, but low voltage brain waves. During this stage, we see rapid flashes of images (This is not dreaming though).
Stage 2
After Stage 1, we get more relaxed and enter Stage 2 of sleep. This stage is characterized by slower, more regular pattern of waves. However, there may be sharp pointed waves called ‘sleep spindles’.
Stage 3
Stage 3 sleep is characterized by slower brain waves, with high peaks and low valleys.
Stage 4
Finally, we enter stage 4 sleep, which is characterized by a slower and more regular wave pattern (Delta waves).
Both Stage 3 & 4 last for about 30 minutes each.
REM Sleep or rapid eye movement sleep
During stage 4 sleep, our heart beat increases, it becomes irregular, blood pressure rises, breathing becomes faster. During this stage our eyes move rapidly from side to side. Dreaming usually occurs during this stage. The brain waves are characterized by rapid, serrated knife-like pattern.