Deep Sleep: Why Is It Important and How Much Do People Need?

Sleeping is a crucial body function, and deep sleep is considered the most important part of the sleep cycle! According to research, short sleep duration is among the major problems for the US population.

Unless you get at least a proper amount of deep sleep daily, your brain and body will miss out on the important recovery process. This can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of several health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Read on to learn more about deep sleep and why it is important.

What Should You Know About Deep Sleep?

The sleep cycle can be divided into four distinct stages known as NREM, among which stages 3 and 4 are considered part of deep sleep. They are also referred to as slow wave sleep (SWS).

During these two stages, your heart rate and breathing become slow because your muscles relax. Your brain waves also become the slowest during these stages, and you won’t wake up even if there are loud noises. If you do wake up during deep sleep, you will feel more groggy compared to other stages.

The first stage of deep sleep lasts 45 to 90 minutes in the first cycle. After this, the length will slowly decrease with each cycle.

How Much Deep Sleep Do You Need Each Night?

It’s recommended that the average adult get 7 or more hours of sleep every night. The hours you need will depend on your age and current sleep quality. Of those 7-8 hours, you should spend 1 to 2 hours in a deep sleep.

Related: Can Melatonin Actually Help You Sleep Better?

How Sleep Keeps Your Body Functions Normal

Proper deep sleep will allow your body time to recover, resulting in better long-term health. Sleep also helps to:

• Restore energy
• Balance hormones
• Repair cells
• Improve your mood and concentration during the day
• Regulate metabolism
• Improve your immune system

Getting less than 7 hours of sleep has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

It can be hard to get at least seven hours of sleep, but there are things you can do to get a better night’s sleep. Some changes you can make include:

• Having a consistent bedtime routine
• Avoiding caffeine before bedtime
• Making sure your room is dark and comfortable for sleep

However, if you still wake up several times during the night and have trouble falling asleep, then it is time to speak to a medical provider.

Also read: Five Common Foods that Can Help You Sleep Better

Choose MI Express Primary Care for Your Sleep Needs!

If you have trouble falling asleep, contact our MI Express Primary Care team in Ann Arbor & Canton, MI. Our provider can suggest lifestyle changes and medications help you sleep better!