Sleep is a crucial biological process that allows the body to rest and repair itself and the brain to organize the data gathered while awake. While sleep apnea can make it virtually impossible to enjoy a proper night’s sleep, your dentist may be able to address this frustrating issue with oral appliance therapy. Here’s a quick guide to the four stages of sleep and what they do for your body.
Stage One: Dozing Off
If you ever woke someone up only for them to deny that they were sleeping, they were probably in the first stage of sleep. During this stage that usually lasts up to seven minutes, the activities in the brain and body will begin to slow down, and the sleeper may remain slightly aware of the environment around them. If they are allowed to rest undisturbed, the sleeper will soon drift into the second stage of sleep.
Stage Two: Cooling Down
During the second stage of sleep, the body’s temperature drops, the muscles relax, and the heart and breathing rates slow. Eye movement will cease and brain activity will be reduced. This stage typically lasts between ten and twenty-five minutes, and each time the sleeper enters it during the night will be longer. A person will usually spend about half their time asleep in the second stage.
Stage Three: Deep Sleep
It can be difficult to wake someone up if they are in stage three sleep. During this stage, the muscle tone, pulse, and breathing rate decrease and the brain begins sending signals called delta waves. Experts believe this stage allows the body to grow and recover from the stress of the day. Stage three sleep happens mostly during the first half of the night, and a sleeper will stay in this stage for about twenty to forty minutes at a time.
Stage Four: REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
Brain activity increases during REM sleep, and the body will experience atonia, which is temporary paralysis of the muscles except those controlling the eyes and breathing. REM sleep usually happens only after the sleeper has rested for more than ninety minutes, and periods of REM sleep will get longer as the night goes on. REM sleep usually makes up about 25% of an adult’s sleeping time.
Sleep apnea can disrupt the natural sleeping process and leave a person with unpleasant symptoms like grogginess, irritability, and fatigue. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve excellent rest.
About the Practice
Dr. Ray Voller earned his dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also a member of prestigious professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Kittanning offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as oral appliance therapy. To learn more about treating sleep apnea, contact his practice on the web or dial (724) 543-4948.