Although important restorative functions occur during all stages of sleep, the phases of deep sleep and REM sleep are the two sleep stages during which our bodies and minds undergo the most renewal. Together, deep sleep and REM sleep are often collectively referred as “restorative sleep.” THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP Science has shown that we need sleep for our overall health and well-being. So important, Harvard University recognizes sleep as the 3rd pillar of health, together with exercise and nutrition. BETTER PERFORMANCE FROM RESTORATIVE SLEEP SLEEP ARCHITECTURE There are four sleep stages identified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (each listed below with their alternate names) which are grouped by their classification as “non-REM” (NREM) and “REM”: Stage 1 (Stage NREM1 or Stage N1) Stage 2 (Stage NREM2 or Stage [...]

INSOMNIA & POOR SLEEP QUALITY Insomnia is difficulty: falling asleep staying asleep sleeping long enough waking up refreshed Sleep is often one of the first things to go when people feel pressed for time. Many view sleep as a luxury and think that the benefits of limiting the hours they spend asleep outweigh the costs. People often overlook the potential long-term health consequences of insufficient sleep, and the impact that health problems can ultimately have on one's time and productivity. Find Out More You have insomnia, if you: find it difficult to fall asleep lie awake for long periods at night wake up several times during the night wake up early in the morning and not be able to [...]

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP, STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION Good sleep quality and duration are essential to normal health. When you don’t get the 7-9 hours of quality sleep you need each night, it can affect your outlook on life, energy level, motivation and emotions. If you’re feeling low, you may not realize that lack of sleep is the culprit. Even one night of disturbed sleep can leave you feeling cranky, more irritable, flat, worried or sad the next day. All these alterations to your mood can affect not only your own mental health but your relationships as well. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing stress in your life, you may be struggling to fall or stay asleep at night. You may have anxious thoughts which keep your brain from [...]