Introduction
Have you ever pondered over how well you slept last night? It's a common question we all encounter. Was it truly rejuvenating, or did you find yourself tossing and turning?
The concept of a "good night of sleep" is often misunderstood. Many believe it involves an uninterrupted journey into deep slumber until the morning light, but there's more to it than meets the eye.
Debunking a Myth
Contrary to popular belief, having brief awakenings during the night doesn't necessarily equate to a poor night's sleep.
In fact, historical sleep patterns reveal that, before the age of industrialization and artificial lighting, it was typical to experience a wakeful period between the "first sleep" and "second sleep." This interval, lasting 1–3 hours, was often utilized for contemplation, recreation, or productivity. It was a far cry from today's perspective, where we're often told to aim for a solid eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Understanding Sleep Patterns
Modern technology, however, has unveiled a different reality. Sleep isn't a seamless experience but rather resembles a roller-coaster ride with various ups and downs throughout the night. While the duration of sleep is undoubtedly crucial, its quality is equally, if not more, significant. Delving into the intricacies, sleep is structured into distinct phases, occurring approximately every 90 minutes in cycles. Deep sleep, vital for bodily and mental restoration, constitutes 20-25% of the night, just as REM sleep, responsible for dreaming, brain development, memory consolidation, and emotional processing.
In essence, a good night's sleep prioritizes quality over quantity. Although waking up during the night may not be ideal, it doesn't automatically translate into a poor sleep experience. Assessing sleep quality isn't always straightforward, despite the plethora of available devices. My fundamental advice? Aim for 8 hours of nightly repose in a serene, comfortable, and cool environment.
Here are a few references and recommendations for further reading:
- Why we sleep, Dr Matthew Walker
- The power of when, Michaël Breus PhD
- Sleep smarter, Shawn Stevenson