As most people know, we spend about 30% of our lives sleeping. We know that sleep is necessary to function and we know that sleep is important. However, what happens when we sleep is the subject of many research studies in the scientific and medical communities. Although science hasn’t been able to fully explain the functions and biological components of sleep, we have learned a great deal about it over the last few decades. Below are some interesting sleep facts our staff at Richmond Smile Center has compiled for our readers.
Sleep Trivia
- You can die from sleep deprivation before you can die from starvation.
- There are four stages of sleep that range from semi-consciousness to deep sleep.
- In addition to the four stages of sleep, we experience cycles of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) throughout the night.
- Originally, researchers thought that we only dreamed during REM sleep; however, it has been discovered that we actually dream throughout the night in all stages of sleep.
- Dreams during REM cycles are more vivid; dreaming during the other stages is more mundane.
- Quality of sleep is more important than quantity of sleep.
- Researchers have studied the sleep habits of animals as well. Giraffes sleep about two hours a day and elephants sleep standing up during non-REM stages.
- During the deepest stages of sleep, the body rejuvenates organs and tissues.
- About 20% of Americans have some form of sleep apnea
- 40% of American adults snore
- If you’re deprived of sleep, it can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and memory loss, as well as weaken your immune system
Sleep is essential to our vitality. If you suffer from sleep apnea or chronic snoring, it will disrupt your body’s ability to rest properly. Many Americans with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. If you wake up tired despite a full night’s sleep, contact Dr. Charles Martin at (804) 417-7203 for a consultation. He currently offers sleep apnea treatments that can improve the quality of your sleep. We serve Richmond, Virginia, and the surrounding communities.
