So there are times that I wake up about an hour before I am supposed to, and I feel refreshed. However, I know that I slept less than what my body needs (8-8.5 hours) so I have to decide:
1. Sleep an extra hour BUT wake up groggy because it is in the middle of a sleep cycle
2. Stay awake BUT get less sleep than I am supposed to
Sleep inertia, sleep cycles, etc are just very confusing when the common advice is to get the XX number of hours of sleep that your body needs every day
In: 2
Sleep cycles play a crucial role in determining the quality of sleep. Each sleep cycle consists of several stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. During deep sleep, the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. REM sleep, on the other hand, is important for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.
When sleep cycles are disrupted or shortened, the body may not have enough time to complete all of the necessary stages of sleep. This can result in feeling groggy or unrefreshed upon waking, as well as problems with memory, attention, and mood. Chronic sleep deprivation or disruption can also have more serious health consequences, including an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
To improve the quality of sleep, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and allow enough time for a full sleep cycle (usually around 90-120 minutes). Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and engaging in regular exercise can also help to promote healthy sleep cycles and improve the quality of sleep.
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