slaapcyclus

A slaapcyclus, or sleep cycle, refers to the recurring pattern of brain activity and physiological changes that occur during sleep. Humans typically go through several sleep cycles each night, with each cycle lasting approximately 90 to 120 minutes. These cycles are broadly divided into two main types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

NREM sleep is further divided into three stages. Stage 1 NREM is the lightest stage of sleep, where you can be easily awakened. Stage 2 NREM is a deeper stage, characterized by slower brain waves and a decrease in heart rate and body temperature. Stage 3 NREM, also known as slow-wave sleep or deep sleep, is the most restorative stage, crucial for physical recovery and growth.

REM sleep follows NREM sleep. During REM sleep, brain activity increases, resembling wakefulness. Your eyes move rapidly beneath your eyelids, and muscle activity is largely paralyzed. This is the stage where most dreaming occurs. REM sleep is thought to be important for cognitive functions like memory consolidation, learning, and emotional processing. As a person progresses through the night, the duration of REM sleep generally increases with each subsequent cycle. The alternation between NREM and REM sleep is fundamental to achieving a healthy and restorative night's rest.