SLEEP ABNORMALITIES

SLEEP ABNORMALITIES / SLEEP PATTERNS

If you want to transcend out of the realm of physical and mental suffering, increase the quality of your life, further define your life goal and your spiritual path, and reach for profound happiness, it is imperative to respect your body, mind and spirit as equally important parts of your existence. All parts directly affect your well-being.

In this chapter we will discuss your body' need for sufficient "deep sleep" and "REM sleep" to assist you optimally in your quest for health and happiness.

As a child, I found sleeping a waste of time. It baffled me that it was necessary to lie down and do nothing for an entire night. What was wrong with us? After experimenting with many different life styles, I found out that whether I liked it or not, I need about seven to eight hours of sleep to remain physically and mentally healthy. But what is sleep? What happens when you snooze?

During your sleep you will go through several stages. By means of an electroencephalograph (EEG) these stages can be recognized. Every stage has its own specific brain wave characteristics. The rhythm of the brain waves are measured in cycles per second (CPS). When you are awake and alert, the CPS of your brain waves are 14 and up. We call these waves Beta waves.

When you relax deeply, your brain waves have about 7 to 14 CPS. These waves are called Alpha waves. This stage occurs naturally when you are about to fall asleep and when you wake up but are not quite there yet. When you learn how to fully relax and meditate you will enter the Alpha state as well. To go into Alpha is very rejuvenating for mind and body. The mind loses its rigidity. Knowledge and experiences are more easily integrated. Thinking becomes more creative. And insights spontaneously occur. I highly recommend to go into your Alpha state regularly. You can do this by deep relaxation and/or meditation. It is the state of mind in which you are able to get in touch more easily with the real YOU - your strengths and life goals. Go into Alpha when you need to problem solve or when you want to make important decisions, relax, energize, center and focus. The audio tapes will help you with this. Click here for details about the available audiotapes.

When you fall into a light sleep, your muscles relax but your brain waves are still irregular. The CPS of your brain waves are between 4 and 7 (Theta state). After a while the brain waves become larger and slowly you slide into a deep sleep, in which your brain activity is characterized with large, slow waves. Your breathing is calm and your heartbeat is slow. You are resting. Physically your body is taking a much needed breather. Your CPS is 4 and below (Delta state). The tension that is present in every muscle in your body during day-time hours is reduced to a minimum. You are in a deep sleep. Deep sleep plays a crucial role in physical health. Your body regenerates. But after an hour or so, your eyes start to move rapidly, you are dreaming. This stage is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep. During this stage your brain waves are almost the same as when you were awake. Luckily your body remains asleep. Scientists still debate why we dream. But it makes sense that your mind needs to process, resolve, or let go of thoughts, impressions, and feelings (charges). During our sleep we go into REM stage several times. Research indicates the importance of REM sleep. The more REM sleep you get, the more likely you will get up feeling refreshed, positive, and energetic. When you sleep 7 to 8 hours you will probably experience 4 to 5 REM sleep episodes. However, the first REM period doesn’t last very long. The fourth or fifth period may last up to an hour. That’s why it is important to sleep for at least seven hours. However, not everyone is the same and sleep patterns may differ slightly from person to person.

So, why is it that many people don’t get rejuvenating sleep, from which they wake up refreshed, in a good mood, and full of energy? A survey from the National Sleep Foundation Gallup (1995) shows that 49% of Americans have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Stress seems to be the major factor: unresolved stressors from the past, present stressors, or projected stressors of the future. We tend to take our daily worries, fears, deep secrets, and emotional pains with us to bed. And they sure keep us awake: money problems, a conflict at work, being embarrassed in front of your friends, the feeling that your life is going nowhere , traumatic experiences from the past, low self esteem, depression, etc.

For a restful sleep it is important that your serotonin level (neurotransmitter) is as high as possible. Serotonin increases a feeling of well-being, which helps to slow down and to initiate a calm peaceful sleep. Directly related to the production of serotonin is the production of melatonin, a hormone which is known for its sleep-inducing effect. Serotonin and melatonin use the same building blocks: tryptophan. Basically everything that we have discussed, and will be discussing relating to feeling good, is applicable to helping you improve your sleep cycle as well.

What can you do to fall asleep quickly and improve the quality of your sleep?

...

Register now and receive immediate access to the rest of this chapter.

URGENT ... Take advantage of our WELCOMING CAMPAIGN.

Membership is temporarily reduced from $49.95 to only $19.95,

and you will receive a FREE audiotape.

Start Today, Register Now,

Click Here For More Information.


The InnerGuidance Network