Understanding Sleep Architecture

Sleep architecture refers to the pattern and structure of different stages of sleep that occur throughout the night. There are five stages of sleep, which are categorized into two main types: non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is divided into stages 1, 2, and 3, with stage 3 being the deepest and most restorative stage. REM sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs and is important for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Understanding sleep architecture is essential for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, as disruptions in the normal sleep cycle can have significant impacts on overall health and well-being.