Deep sleep is the step before REM sleep, and performs different functions within your nightly sleep cycle. During deep sleep, your body relaxes and your heart-rate slows. During REM sleep, your blood pressure speeds up and your pulse quickens as your body goes about its most essential tasks.
Deep sleep takes up about 20% of your sleep cycle. This is the time during which you become less responsive to outside stimuli. Your breathing and heart-rate slows, and this stage is where most vivid dreams take place. It's also the most vital part of sleep, where your body begins to undergo all the natural biological processes necessary during sleep.
Rapid eye movement sleep, or REM sleep, is an essential function of your natural sleep cycle. As suggested by the name, your eyes dart rapidly during REM sleep as brain activity increases and pulse quickens. The first cycle takes place approximately 90 minutes after first falling asleep, and lasts 10 minutes. As you progress through the cycle, REM sleep can last as long as an hour.
Not as much as you might think, though it's different for everyone. Most experts recommend getting between 1.5%-2% of deep sleep per night. However, it's important to note there are several factors that go into determining how much deep sleep you should get, including age, weight, and overall health. Getting enough deep sleep has been known to:
Yes. REM sleep has several benefits to your general health, and has been known to:
If you don't get enough sleep, you'll be less productive throughout your day. Those who don't get enough deep sleep generally have a weaker immune system, and are therefore more susceptible to illness. Also, not getting enough REM sleep has a correlation to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Lack of REM sleep hinders your ability to learn and process new memories. REM sleep is also a component of sleep deprivation, which is a risk factor of both obesity and heart disease. New evidence has also linked inadequate REM sleep to chronic migraines.
Investing in a new mattress helps you find the comfort you need to achieve REM sleep and increase your level of productive rest. If you're looking to help control your sleep environment and experience a more restful sleep, finding a new mattress is a wise step in the right direction
Saatva is our top pick for the #1 best mattress for Sleep Apnea in 2021! They're a luxury hypoallergenic mattress shipped directly to your door (with full-service white-glove delivery). They have over 50,000 reviews and continue to be one of the most reputable, established brands in the industry (founded in 2009). Check their price, here.