1. The Science of Sleep
Sleep is a fascinating field of study,
encompassing the circadian rhythm,
sleep stages, disorders, and factors that
influence our sleep cycles.
by Kanchan Sharma
2. Circadian Rhythm
Internal Clock ⏰
Our bodies have an internal clock that
regulates sleepiness and wakefulness,
following a roughly 24-hour cycle.
Night and Day 🌙☀️
Light exposure, particularly in the morning,
helps synchronize our internal clock with
the external environment.
Jet Lag Blues ✈️😴
Traveling across time zones can disrupt
our internal clock, leading to symptoms
like fatigue and insomnia.
Night Owl or Early Bird ⏰🌄
Our circadian rhythm differs between
individuals, leading some to be night owls
and others to be early birds.
3. Sleep Stages
Stage 1
The lightest stage
of sleep,
transitioning
between
wakefulness and
sleep. It typically
lasts for a few
minutes.
Stage 2
Characterized by
relaxed muscles
and occasional
bursts of brain
wave activity. It
makes up a
significant portion
of our sleep.
Stage 3 & 4
Deep sleep stages
where the brain
produces slower
delta waves. This
is the most
restorative stage
for our bodies.
REM Sleep
Rapid Eye
Movement sleep,
when dreams
occur and brain
activity resembles
wakefulness.
Essential for
cognitive function.
4. Sleep Disorders
1 Insomnia 😫
A sleep disorder where individuals have difficulty falling asleep or staying
asleep, leading to daytime impairments.
2 Narcolepsy ⏰💤
A neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and
sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks.
3 Sleep Apnea 😴💤
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often
accompanied by loud snoring.
5. Factors Affecting Sleep Cycles
Blue Light Exposure 📱
💡
Electronic devices emit blue
light, which can suppress
sleep hormone production
and disrupt circadian rhythm.
Comfortable Sleep
Environment 🛏⏰😴
Factors like temperature,
noise, and comfort level can
greatly impact the quality of
our sleep.
Stress and Mental
Health ⏰♀️⏰
High levels of stress and
mental health conditions can
interfere with our ability to fall
asleep and stay asleep.
6. Sleep is vital for our overall well-
being, and understanding the
science behind it helps us optimize
our sleep patterns and promote
better health
Conclusion