Alvásfázisok

Alvásfázisok refers to the different stages of sleep that occur in a cyclical pattern throughout the night. Sleep is not a uniform state but rather a dynamic process characterized by distinct neurological and physiological changes. These stages are broadly categorized into Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.

NREM sleep is further divided into three stages. Stage N1, also known as light sleep, is the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep, where brain activity begins to slow down. Stage N2 is a deeper sleep stage, characterized by specific brainwave patterns called sleep spindles and K-complexes. Stage N3, or deep sleep, is the most restorative stage, where the body repairs tissues and builds muscle. This stage is crucial for physical recovery and growth.

REM sleep, often referred to as paradoxical sleep, is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity that resembles wakefulness, and muscle paralysis. During REM sleep, vivid dreaming typically occurs. This stage is thought to be important for cognitive functions such as memory consolidation and learning.

These NREM and REM sleep stages cycle throughout the night, with each cycle lasting approximately 90 to 110 minutes. The proportion of time spent in each stage changes as the night progresses, with more deep sleep occurring in the earlier cycles and more REM sleep in the later cycles. Understanding these alvásfázisok is fundamental to comprehending sleep health and the impact of sleep disturbances.