What is deep sleep?
Write the 27/04/2023 by Santarome Bio
Deep sleep is one of the four phases of the sleep cycle, and it is during this phase that the body, muscles and brain are most relaxed. Do you want to improve the quality of your sleep? Then this article is made for you !
Deep sleep: the most restorative phase of sleep
During our sleep, our brain goes through different phases: falling asleep, light sleep, deep sleep and paradoxical sleep. Deep sleep is one of the most important stages. It is essential as part of the circadian rhythm.
During light or REM sleep, the brain is active, breathing is irregular, and the eyes move quickly. It is also during paradoxical sleep that dreams occur. On the other hand, deep sleep is distinguished from other stages of sleep by its depth and intensity. It is characterized by a slow heart rate, relaxed muscles and an almost complete absence of movement.
The benefits of deep sleep
Deep sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, as it allows the body to regenerate and prepare for a new day. Here are some of its benefits:
Physical Recovery: During deep sleep, the body undergoes a powerful regeneration process that helps heal and restore muscles. After physical activity, deep sleep can help reduce pain and soreness by allowing the body to rebuild damaged muscle tissue. Deep sleep provides the body with the energy and rest it needs to stay healthy and in great shape.
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Improved memory and cognitive abilities: During deep sleep, the brain consolidates information, memories and learning absorbed during the day. Cerebrospinal fluid removes accumulated toxins, including beta-amyloid protein, partly responsible for Alzheimer's disease.
Mood regulation: A chronic lack of deep sleep can negatively impact mood and trigger anxiety disorders, depression, stress and irritability.
Strengthening the immune system: During this phase, the body produces cytokines - proteins that help fight infections, inflammation and stress. Deep sleep also helps reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Factors that affect deep sleep
Do you have difficulty falling asleep or enjoying long, restful nights? Lack of sleep can have serious consequences on your health, both physical and mental. Many causes can explain this difficulty in getting to sleep:
Stress causes an increase in brain activity and cortisol production.
An unbalanced diet. Certain dietary and lifestyle habits, such as caffeine consumption, smoking, and alcohol consumption, can interfere with restful sleep.
Illness or certain medications can affect sleep, including antidepressants or sleeping pills.
Noise and blue light also increase brain activity and cause nighttime awakenings.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia can reduce the quantity and quality of deep sleep.
By adopting a better approach, you will be able to enjoy longer, more restful nights, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Plants to improve sleep quality
For centuries, plants have been used as a natural remedy to improve sleep quality. From chamomile to California poppy, certain plants help soothe the senses and promote relaxation, thus contributing to more restful sleep. Among the most popular plants we find:
Hawthorn is renowned for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It is often used to reduce anxiety and agitation, which are often contributing factors to poor sleep.
Valerian has sedative properties. It is particularly useful for people suffering from sleep disorders.
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Passionflower acts on anxiety, nervousness and anguish. Its relaxing properties prepare you for falling asleep and allow you to go back to sleep if you wake up at night.
Escholtzia, or California Poppy, is a natural sleep aid containing alkaloids that promote deeper and longer sleep. Not only does it help you fall asleep, but it also helps reduce nighttime awakenings and extend sleep duration.
Lemon balm is particularly effective against sleep disorders and stress, and facilitates digestion.
Chamomile has soothing and calming properties to help you sleep better. Its ability to reduce stress and restlessness, and relieve sleep disturbances, makes it an ideal choice for improving overall sleep quality.
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