How does sleep affect you and your brain?
When you fall asleep you go through 5 different stages of sleep, each with different traits. The first being somewhere around a day dream and the last being the deepest sleep you will ever achieve. This is also when you will achieve the most brain activity you will ever experience. From Theta waves to Delta waves, you will learn the basics in the stages to the right.
Benefits
Sleep Affects Your Weight
Sleep is shown to affect how much you weigh and can predict obesity. If a child does not sleep well during infancy or early years, he/she will have a strong chance of obesity by age 7.
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Sleep during the night so that you don't during the day
BRING NAPTIME BACK!
Sleep Affects Your Ability to Make Decisions
Sleep is shown to help you make decisions. You tend to make better decisions after a good night's sleep.
Sleep Can Help Your Memory
If students do not get enough sleep, they usually forget what they learn in class within a three-day period. This does not include just not paying attention in class as an excuse.
Many more Delta waves are made at this stage. This is also when you transition from light to deep sleep.
First Stage of Sleep
Second Stage of Sleep
Fifth Stage of Sleep
Third Stage of Sleep
Fourth Stage of Sleep
The first stage of sleep is almost a step between daydreaming and sleeping. This stage includes feeling like you're falling or thinking someone is calling your name.
In this stage you produce something called Theta waves, which are particularly slow brain waves. These are made throughout your time of sleep.
This is when Delta waves are made. These are slow, but slightly faster brain waves that are made in the third stage. This is also when your temperature drops and your pulse slows.
This is when you start dreaming. Your brain increases blood flow to flush out toxins and increases your brain activity. Whether you are awake or asleep, the fifth stage is when you will experience the most intense brain activity.