Sleep Stages

Sleep consists of several stages that cycle throughout the night. Stage 1 is light loss of consciousness; you drift into sleep. Stage 2 is a slightly deeper sleep with slowed heart rate and breathing. Stages 3 and 4, often grouped as deep sleep, are crucial for physical rest and recovery, featuring slow brain waves. REM sleep, occurring about every 90 minutes, is when most dreaming happens and your brain activity resembles wakefulness. These stages repeat in cycles, vital for physical health, memory, and mental restoration.