World Sleep Day: Do you know what REM sleep is? It is one of the most important stages of sleep and that is why it is essential to have a good night’s sleep. It is very important for the body to function optimally.
World Sleep Day 2023: Do you feel a little tired when you get up for the day? Do you yawn too much on the way to work? Do you feel sleep deprived? Well today is the day to talk all about sleep. Did I say why? Because it’s World Sleep Day! Imagine, a day dedicated to sleep, to raise awareness about its importance and the various adverse effects that can occur due to its lack. Sleep is not high on our priority list. But keep in mind that sleep deprivation or not getting good quality sleep has an adverse effect on the body and can pave the way for serious sleep disorders. While it may not seem like a big deal, getting good sleep is one of the important things to work on if you are working towards a healthy lifestyle, or following a weight loss regimen, etc. There is a lot to know about sleep and also very interesting things too. There are different stages of sleep. One of them is REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
World Sleep Day: What is REM sleep?
It is a stage of sleep where the eyes move rapidly in different directions and where most of our dreams occur. It is an important part of the sleep cycle and plays a crucial role in our general health and well-being.
During REM sleep, our brain activity increases and our muscles relax, making it difficult for us to move. This is known as muscle atony. This is important because it prevents us from acting out our dreams and potentially hurting ourselves.
World Sleep Day: Why is it important to know about REM sleep?
Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep a night to function optimally.
- One of the most important is that it plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. Memory consolidation is the process by which the brain stores memories and learning experiences. During REM sleep, the brain consolidates memories and integrates new information into existing knowledge.
- REM sleep is also important for our emotional health. During REM sleep, the brain processes emotional experiences and helps us regulate our emotions. This is why a lack of REM sleep can lead to emotional disturbances such as anxiety and depression.
- Helps regulate our appetite and metabolism. Studies have shown that people who have less REM sleep tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and a higher risk of obesity.
- It is also important for our immune system. During REM sleep, our body produces cytokines, which are proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Lack of REM sleep can weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to disease.
World Sleep Day: How to have a good sleep routine?
- Establish a regular sleep routine. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Create an environment conducive to sleep keeping the bedroom dark, quiet and cool.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime can also help improve REM sleep.
- Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed May help improve REM sleep.
- regular exercise it can also improve REM sleep. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, including increasing the amount of time spent in REM sleep. However, it’s important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as this can also disrupt sleep.
(With input from Dr. Shama Kovale, Consultant, ENT, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai)
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