THE 5 STAGES OF SLEEP

Every night, invariably we go sleep. Sleep is one activity we do not have to learn; we know how to sleep since birth. Sleep is one of the most integral parts of our lives and researchers have shown that it isn’t as simple as we thought it to be. While we are asleep, we go through five stages of the sleep cycle.

The normal length of a sleep cycle is 60 to 90 minutes. In 7-9 hours of sleep, an adult goes through 4 to 6 sleep cycles. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping and this seemingly unproductive time spent makes the two-thirds of our life productive. There are five stages of sleep and each stage has a different function.

STAGE 1 – DROWSINESS

This phase eventually leads to light sleep. This is when one finds themselves floating in and out of consciousness. This is the shortest phase of sleep and lasts for about 10 to 20 minutes before we drift to light sleep.

STAGE 2 – LIGHT SLEEP

We spend 50% of our sleep in stage two. This stage is a non-REM phase of sleep. During this stage of sleep, our body starts relaxing, the heart rate slows down, and the core body temperature starts dropping. It is in this stage where the eye movements stop, and brain waves slow down with an occasional burst of activity known as sleep spindles.

STAGES 3 AND 4 – DEEP SLEEP

Deep sleep is the stage where one is the most difficult to wake up from. During this stage the blood pressure drops even further and breathing becomes slower, deeper, and more rhythmic. There are no eye movements and muscles become immobile. This stage is extremely rejuvenating to the body. The body releases hormones to aid both growth and appetite. In addition to this, blood flow to the muscles increases providing restorative oxygen and nutrients.

STAGE 5 – REM

This is perhaps the most mysterious stage of sleep. In stages one through four of sleep, the mind rests while the body rejuvenates and heals itself. In the REM (rapid eye movement) phase, the brain energizes itself while the body is immobile. This phase is characterized by heightened, desynchronized brainwaves leading to dreaming and eye activity. Adults spend 20% of their sleep in this phase. It is in the REM phase where the brain stores information and prepares the body to wake up.

Sleeping is a complex activity and using a sleep tracking device can make you understand it better. Tracking also eases the understanding of sleep-related problems and gives you the necessary information to take corrective actions and improve your sleep.

[Image Source: 4 images above are from the Sleep Study Blog by Fitbit: https://blog.fitbit.com/sleep-study]

HERE ARE 3 BENEFITS OF USING A FITNESS TRACKER LIKE FITBIT TO MONITOR YOUR SLEEP ON YOUR NEW CHIROFOAM MATTRESS:

1. THE RIGHT TIME TO GO TO BED AND WAKE UP

It is very clear that a sleep is of utmost importance to have a productive day. Oversleeping or not enough sleep leads to lethargy. A smart sleep tracker like Fitbit can help you understand the most optimal times to go to bed, and when to wake up. This will enable you to sleep well and wake up feeling rested and full of energy.

2. PERSONALIZED DATA

Sleep trackers provide personalized actionable data after tracking your sleep patterns. Data points like your Non-REM and REM sleep, snoring, sleep talking activity, and the number of times you wake up in the night are all typically recorded by sleep trackers. This information will help enable you to take the necessary actions to improve your sleep.

3. SLEEP PATTERN AND HOURS OF RESTFUL SLEEP

Every individual has a unique sleep pattern and a sleep tracker provides information about this pattern. At times and in spite of sleeping for the required number of hours, we wake up tired. This may be because we did not have enough deep restful sleep the night before. Sleep trackers help pin point this data and after analyzing the pattern over a period of time it is easier to make the changes needed to improve sleep.

While sleeping is a complex process, understanding your sleeping style and pattern is not rocket science. A new Chirofoam mattress especially when used with a sleep tracker like Fitbit can help improve the quality of your sleep.

MAY PROMO: RECEIVE 1 FITBIT INSPIRE HR WITH A PURCHASE OF ANY SIZE CHIROFOAM

From May 1st to May 31st, 2019 receive 1 Fitbit Inspire HR with your purchase of any size Chirofoam mattress. To receive your gift use coupon FITBIT at checkout. In the order notes during checkout, write whether you prefer a Black, White, or Lilac coloured Fitbit. The device will be shipped separately straight from the manufacturer. In order to prevent fraudulent orders, any Chirofoam refunds within the 100-night sleep trial during this promo will not include the value of the device ($129.95 CAD + tax). This promo is not valid with any other coupon or offer.

FITBIT GIVEAWAY

Wait it gets better! We are giving away 2 Free Fitbit Versa smart watches! (Over $500 CAD value) You could be the lucky winner of one of two Fitbit Versa watches. The contest starts May 1st and ends May 31st. A Winner will be announced on our Instagram and Facebook pages on the first week of June 2019. The contest rules are simple.

To Enter you must complete all tasks:

1. Follow @chirofoam and @fitbit on Instagram and/or Facebook
2. LIKE the official contest post on Instagram and/or Facebook
3. Comment and tell us about your fitness goals for this year and use #ChirofoamFitnessGoals
4. Tag 3 Friends in that comment

This contest is only available to residents of Canada excluding Quebec. Must be 18 years or older to participate. No purchase necessary. This contest, the Promo, and the blog post are organized by Chirofoam and are in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Facebook, Instagram, or Fitbit.