The Sleeping Body: Stages of Sleep - Page 2

Stage 4 Sleep

• Combined with Stage 3 consumes 10-25% of a normal night of sleep
• "Slow wave" delta sleep similar to Stage 3, but deeper
• As in Stage 3, this is considered deep and dreamless sleep. night terrors, sleepwalking and bedwetting often occur during deep sleep.

Stage 5 Sleep

• Composes 20-25% of a normal night of sleep
• REM sleep occurs characterized by alert brain waves and high muscular tension. The brain has sometimes shown to be more active in REM sleep than in the waking state in certain individuals
• Also known as active or paradoxical sleep
• Dreams commonly occur, including lucid dreams * Nightmares typically occur during the last 3 hours of REM sleep

The amount of sleep an individual needs varies, but the mechanics of sleep typically follow a common pattern irregardless of the number of hours spent sleeping. Completion of the first four stages of sleep typically takes an hour, and then the sleeper enters REM, Stage 5, sleep in which dreams commonly occur. Depending on the number of hours chosen to sleep, the dreamer may have the opportunity to dream several times in a night.

This information can be used by the dreamer to further the understanding of sleep and how the dream physically manifests during a normal night of sleep. By studying sleep patterns, and dream recall through journalizing the dreamer can optimize opportunities for dreaming and get the most out of their sleeping hours.