Sleep Basics: Understanding The Sleep process From Zero

Sleep is a very important activity for our body. Throughout the day, the body exhausts itself by undertaking daily work. It makes up for the lost energy by sleeping. Sleep leaves our body motionless or inactive for long periods of time. That is why, in earlier days, people used to think that the blood flow and the brain's functions stop when a person sleeps.

But according to modern leading sleep clinics, that is not the case. They say that the body and brain stay very active even when a person is sleeping. The activities the brain performs during the sleeping period directly affect our lifestyle. That is why, if you wish to take control of your life and improve your lifestyle, find out what happens in your brain when you are in a deep sleep.

The Different Organs And Parts Of Sleep

While sleeping, several parts and organs engage in many different functions. Let us find out about a few of them.

• Hypothalamus

Hypothalamus acts as the command center during the body's sleep. It is a tiny organ that resides inside the brain and helps people determine the difference between light and darkness. Hypothalamus senses the darkness around and instructs the body to sleep.

• The Brain Stem

The brainstem is the base of the brain that receives signals from the hypothalamus and helps you transition between sleep and wake.

• Pineal gland

According to sleep specialists, the pineal gland plays the most critical role in sleep. This tiny gland on the forehead of the person helps the person sink deep into slumber once the lights dim.

• Basal Forebrain

The basal forebrain ejects a hormone called adenosine. This hormone helps you feel the need for sleep and makes you tired. As a result, you fall asleep faster than ever. If the body lacks energy, the basal forebrain releases a lot of adenosine.

Different Types And Stages Of Sleep

There are two key types of sleep. They are Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep and Non-REM sleep. Let us find out more about them.

• REM Sleep

REM sleep is a type of sleep that usually takes place after an hour or two has been spent sleeping. At this time, the brain gets hyperactive, and the eyeballs start to roll from side to side. Eye movement occurs under closed eyelids; hence, the people around you do not see you in such a condition.

Dreams usually occur during this type of sleep. Once this phase is over, a person's body and brain shift towards non-REM sleep.

• Non REM Sleep

Non-REM sleep is usually divided into three stages.

1. The first step of non-REM sleep is when a person's brain and body change from awake to asleep. At this time, the sleep is light, and the person feels relaxed.

2. After that, the person starts to transit into a deeper sleep. Even though nothing much can be noticed externally during this time, according to sleep specialists, the brain goes through a very important transition.

3. Finally comes the deep sleep. This is the most important part of sleep. If a person wakes up before getting into this stage, the person does not feel properly rested in the morning.

Is Something Wrong With Your Sleep? Go To A Sleep Clinic

The sleep process we mentioned here helps you feel rested after a tough day to make you start your work again the next day. That is why, if you feel any disturbance in the fulfillment of this process, call TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center in Oklahoma City. Here, at one of the best sleep clinics in OKC, you can solve your sleep problems with the help of professionals.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of the patient-doctor relationship.