Sleep has a profound effect on our appearance, weight, stress level, mood, memory and overall well-being. But, with today’s hectic world becoming more and more of a 24/7 society that never shuts off, it’s estimated that nearly 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, according to the National Sleep Foundation. It’s not easy to change your habits so that you get a good night’s sleep each and every night—but these full-body renewal spa experiences offer programs that educate, diagnose and treat various sleep-deprivation conditions to help you get a proper night’s rest.
The Sleep Cycle
Although made up of five different cycles, sleep is typically characterized by two states—REM and non-REM. Non-REM sleep has four stages, ranging from drowsiness to deep sleep; REM sleep is where dreams occur, breathing and heart rate increase and become irregular, muscles relax and the eyes move back and forth
Stage 1: The transition phase between waking and sleeping. Eye movements slow, and you have trouble staying awake.
Stage 2: Signifies the transition phase into deep sleep. Muscles relax completely and heart rate slows.
Stage 3: Where real sleep begins and bodily functions slow down. You fall deeper and deeper into sleep, although you can still be easily awakened by sounds.
Stage 4: Where breathing and heart rate are at their slowest. If you awaken during this phase of sleep, you will probably be groggy and disoriented.
Stage 5: Rapid eye movements characterize this part of the sleep cycle, and it is also referred to as “the dream stage.” If you wake during REM, you can often give a coherent explanation of the dream you were having..
The Perfect Sleep Setting:
Don’t read, work or eat in bed. These activities will make your brain associate your bed with distracting activities that will make it difficult to relax when it’s time to fall asleep. It’s best to buy a new pillow every two years to maintain support and maximize the potential of a good night’s sleep at home.
Dark shades, sound machines, eye masks, lavender linen sprays and high thread-count sheets are great investments for anyone who is looking to create a more soothing sleep environment at home.
Nighttime Fix
The “dream team” of retinol and peptides in Bioelements Sleepwear tackles wrinkles, firmness and aging all while you sleep. $62, bioelements.com
