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46 HEALTH AWEMainta Diamars, 26 September 2023

Why a Restful Night Matters

The Significance of Sleep Quality

QUALITY sleep is as important as
its duration when it comes to feeling

rejuvenated and energized after a
night’s rest. Let’s delve deeper into the
reasons why the quality of your sleep
holds such significance:

1. Sleep Cycles:
Sleep is a complex process comprising
several cycles, including non-REM

(rapid eye movement) and REM stages.
These cycles repeat throughout the
night. The stages of deep, restorative
sleep, particularly stages 3 and 4 of

non-REM sleep, are where physical and
mental recovery occur. Frequent inter-
ruptions during these crucial stages
can deprive you of the full benefits

of sleep, leaving you feeling fatigued
despite the hours spent in bed.

2. Interrupted Sleep:

Frequent awakenings or disturbances emotional well-being. Frequent distur- • Establish a consistent sleep schedule,
can arise from a variety of factors, such bances during REM sleep can disrupt adhering to the same bedtime and
as noise, discomfort, stress, or under- your dream cycles and leave you wake-up time daily.
lying medical conditions like sleep feeling groggy or mentally fatigued

apnea. Even if these disruptions are upon waking. • Employ stress management tech-
brief and you return to sleep quickly, niques, such as meditation or deep
they disrupt the seamless flow of your 5. Sleep Fragmentation: breathing exercises.
sleep cycles, hindering your ability to Sleep fragmentation is character-

reach the deeper, more rejuvenating ized by sleep disruptions, whether • Limit the consumption of caffeine and
stages of sleep. they involve awakening or tossing and alcohol, especially in the evening.
turning in bed. This condition prevents
3. Shallow Sleep: you from achieving the consolidated, • If you suspect a sleep disorder, like

Shallow sleep implies spending an uninterrupted sleep needed to fully sleep apnea, consider seeking medical
excessive amount of time in lighter recharge both your body and mind. advice, as timely diagnosis and inter-
sleep stages, like stage 1 or stage 2, vention can significantly enhance sleep
and insufficient time in the deeper 6. Daytime Consequences: quality.

stages where the body and mind expe- Poor sleep quality not only affects your
rience profound restoration. This can morning mood but also has pervasive In essence, sleep quality extends
occur due to factors such as anxiety, consequences throughout the day. You beyond mere hours spent in slumber.
an unsuitable sleep environment, or may grapple with issues like reduced It encompasses the depth, continuity,

irregular sleep patterns. concentration, irritability, mood and restorative nature of your sleep.
swings, and diminished productivity.
4. REM Sleep: By addressing factors that disrupt your
apid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the To enhance the quality of your sleep: sleep cycle, you can unlock more restful

stage associated with dreaming, plays • Craft a sleep-conducive environment nights and enjoy heightened daytime
a vital role in cognitive function and that is cool, dark, and tranquil. alertness and vitality.