The Sleep Cycle

Waking Beta

This stage of sleep is when you are full awake and at your most alert.

Waking Alpha

This stage of sleep is where your mind begins to relax but you’re still awake.

Non-REM 1

This stage controls 5% of your total sleep cycle. This stage is the part of the sleep cycle is when you actually begin to “fall asleep” you will experience short, hypnic jerks where you body feels as though you’re falling.

Non-REM 2

This stage controls 45-50% of your total sleep. In this stage eye movement stops, heartbeat slows, temperature lowers, and may experience dream flashes.

Non-REM 3

This stage controls 20-25% of your total sleep also known as your “deep sleep” stage. In this stage delta brain waves are released, muscles, blood pressure, and breathing are at it’s lowest state and this is where your immune system is repaired, your growth hormones are triggered, and most body maintenance happens.

REM Sleep

The final stage of your total sleep cycle takes up about 20-25% of it. In this stage muscles are at their most paralyzed (caused by your brain stem blocking signals to your muscles), your brain is mentally & emotionally processing/repairing itself, and you experience 10 minutes of vivid dreaming.

What needs to happen for you to remember your dreams?

In order to remember your dream you have to wake up while you’re still in REM sleep.