Sleep

Question 1

Why is sleep weird?

Answer 1

We don’t know exactly why we sleep or dream, but we know it’s a form of rest and rejuvenation. The brain remains active during sleep, albeit differently than when awake.

Question 2

What is the relationship between sleep and memory?

Answer 2

Dreams are related to memory, and impaired dreaming leads to impaired memory.

Question 3

What is the connection between sleep and death?

Answer 3

Sleep is like death in the sense that it involves a loss of consciousness, but unlike death, we wake up. Losing consciousness itself is not scary, but the idea of never waking up is.

Question 4

How is sleep connected to our overall health?

Answer 4

Sleep affects memory, cognitive performance, nutrition/obesity, mood, and many other aspects of our health.

Question 5

Do we know why we dream?

Answer 5

We don’t know exactly why we dream, but it has something to do with memory.

Question 6

Stage 1

Answer 6

• The transition from wakefulness to sleep.
• Typically lasts 5-10 minutes.
• Mind is subject to hallucinations, but may also spark creativity.

Question 7

Stage 2

Answer 7

• Light sleep.
• Typically lasts around 20 minutes.

Question 8

Stage 3

Answer 8

• Deep sleep.
• Typically lasts 15-20 minutes.

Question 9

Stage 4

Answer 9

Usually a repeat of Stage 2.

Question 10

REM sleep

Answer 10

• “Rapid eye movement” occurs during dreaming.
• Not really a stage, because after the first cycle, you can go in and out of REM sleep at any time in the cycle.
• A full night’s sleep is 5-6 cycles that last about 90 minutes each.

Question 11

Sleep Hygiene

Answer 11

A set of habits and practices that help improve the quality of sleep.

Question 12

How to improve your sleep

Answer 12

By avoiding certain things, making the environment conducive to sleep, and following healthy habits.

Question 13

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine within 4-6 hours of going to sleep.

Answer 13

Such substances can interfere with sleep patterns and affect the quality of sleep.

Question 14

Make your bedroom sleep-friendly

Answer 14

A bedroom should be quiet, dark, and cool to promote restful sleep.

Question 15

Before you sleep do something relaxing

Answer 15

Relaxing activities can help prepare the body and mind for sleep, while stressful activities can have the opposite effect.

Question 16

Only sleep when you are truly tired

Answer 16

Trying to force oneself to sleep can lead to frustration and anxiety. Getting up and doing something else can be helpful.

Question 17

Get sun exposure during the day and avoid bright lights in the evening

Answer 17

Sunlight exposure helps regulate the body’s internal clock, while bright lights in the evening can disrupt it.

Question 18

Try to follow a consistent wake/sleep schedule

Answer 18

Establishing consistent sleep and wake times can help regulate the body’s internal clock.

Question 19

Don’t eat big meals close to bedtime

Answer 19

Eating a large meal close to bedtime can interfere with digestion and disrupt sleep.

Question 20

Have the right amount of fluids before you sleep

Answer 20

Consuming too little or too much fluid before bed can interfere with sleep quality.

Question 21

If you exercise, exercise early in the day

Answer 21

Morning exercise can help improve sleep, while evening exercise can have the opposite effect.

Question 22

Use your bed only for sleep

Answer 22

Using the bed only for sleep can help the brain associate the bed with sleep and relaxation.

Question 23

Limit naps during the day to less than 30 min

Answer 23

Long naps can interfere with the body’s natural sleep rhythm and make it difficult to sleep at night.

Question 24

Consume food that promotes sleep

Answer 24

Some foods, such as those high in melatonin and prebiotics, can promote sleep without the risks associated with medication.