The 4 Stages Of Sleep — Cycles, Phases, and Improvement

Table of Contents

Sleep was once believed to be a passive state, (1) a shutting down of physical and mental functions that allowed the body to recover from the day’s activities. All of that changed in the 1950’s with the discovery of REM sleep. What was thought to be a form of unconsciousness was found to be an active and complex process crucial to forming memories, regulating metabolism, and removing toxins from the brain.

Recent advances in sleep science have revealed just how important a good night’s rest is for health. Sleep is critical not just to feeling energetic and restored, but to nearly every essential function in the body.

Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately.

The Structure of Sleep

SleepArchitecture

The organized and structured process of normal sleep is known as sleep architecture. (2Typical sleep architecture consists of four cycles, each lasting an average of 90 minutes. A 90-minute cycle consists of three stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep, known as NREM sleep, and one of rapid eye movement sleep, known as REM. The full process of all four cycles takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to complete.

Sleep was previously divided into five stages, which became four when two similar NREM cycles were combined. The four stages were recently renamed N1, N2, N3, and REM, to clarify the specific type of sleep that occurs at each stage during a cycle.

Every stage of sleep fulfills a distinct physiological and psychological function, and occurs in a predictable sequence. These sequences must be complete and proceed in order for optimal functioning of the brain and body.

SleepCycle

The stages of sleep are distinct, but share some general characteristics. During the phases of NREM sleep, the muscles retain the ability to function, though they typically remain still. Brain waves are less active and heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing slow. In NREM sleep, as the name suggests, the eyes are still or move minimally. (3)

In REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly, the muscles are mostly or completely paralyzed, and dreaming is vivid. Brain waves during REM sleep are similar to brain waves that occur during wakefulness. In fact, REM sleep is the stage of sleep that most closely resembles being awake.

N1 (formerly Stage One)

N1 is the lightest stage of sleep, and occurs in the moments when the wake state of the body transitions to the sleep state. (4)

The N1 stage usually begins within minutes after lying down to sleep, but may take more or less time depending on sleep habits, the presence of sleep disturbances or disorders, and the physiology of each individual.

N1 is a dynamic state that typically lasts between one and seven minutes. As the name suggests, NREM sleep involves little to none of the eye movement associated with the vivid dream states that occur during REM sleep.

Some awareness of the environment remains in this early phase, though many people begin to lose their usual sense of time and place as they transition into sleep.

Body Temps

During N1, the following physiological changes occur:

  • Core body temperature decreases
  • The pineal gland releases the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin
  • Eyes close
  • Brain waves shift from the alpha waves of relaxation to the theta waves of sleep
  • Dreaming may begin
  • Muscles begin to relax

During N1 sleep, small shifts back and forth between alpha and theta brain waves may give the sleeper the sense that they are still awake. Sleepers may be roused quite easily from this stage of sleep, and might not realize they’re no longer fully alert.

Hypnic jerks, or sleep starts, are common during this transition phase. Hypnic jerks are sudden contractions of muscles that may interrupt sleep. These movements are sometimes accompanied by a sense of falling or tripping, and are considered normal. They may be worsened by caffeine, stress, or certain medications. (5) Some researchers theorize that hypnic jerks are a protective mechanism left over from our early history when we slept in trees, to help prevent us from falling during sleep.

Until recently, sleep researchers believed that dreaming did not occur at all during NREM sleep, though this recently has been disproven. Dreaming in NREM stages of sleep may occur more often when a part of the brain active in REM sleep, the stage when dreams are most vivid and memorable, remains activated during NREM sleep. (6)

Disturbances during N1 sleep, excessive time spent in this phase, or extended sleep latency (the time spent waiting to fall asleep) may indicate the presence of a sleep disorder. (7) Difficulty transitioning into N1 sleep is a common symptom of insomnia, both short-term and chronic. Sufferers of the form of hypersomnia known as narcolepsy may fall directly into REM sleep without first passing through any of the stages of NREM sleep, including N1. (8)

N2 (formerly Stage Two)

Approximately half of the four cycles of sleep are spent in the N2 phase, the most prevalent phase of sleep. Though N2 is considered a light stage of sleep similar to N1, the transition to N2 causes pronounced physical changes, which include:

  • A halt in eye movement
  • Reduced environmental awareness
  • Decrease in heart rate and body temperature
  • Inconsistent fluctuations between muscle tension and relaxation
  • Relaxation of the upper airway muscles

Sleep talking may occur during both the N1 and N2 stages of sleep, as may brief episodes of awakening and falling back to sleep.

SO SleepStagesGraphics Spindles

Though brain waves slow down during N2, the brain displays sudden bursts of activity called sleep spindles. Sleep spindles last approximately 1-2 seconds each, and result from interactions between thalamic and cortical neurons. This type of brain activity is thought to be essential for the consolidation of memories and the ability to recall dreams. (9)

An increased number of sleep spindles may be associated with higher intelligence, increasing the need to process large volumes of recently acquired information. (10) One of the primary functions of sleep spindles appears to be the transference of information from short-term to long-term memory.

K complexes are another type of brain wave activity seen during N2 sleep. (11) K complexes are reactive to internal and external stimuli, assist in information processing, and help to synchronize the phases of NREM sleep as a whole. K complex waves are thought to protect sleep by preventing waking to normal stimuli that does not present a danger.

An unusual amount of time spent in the N2 phase may result from altered sleep patterns due to medication side effects or the aging process. Fragmented N2 may indicate a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or chronic insomnia.

N3, or Slow Wave Sleep (formerly Stages 3 and 4)

N3 sleep is referred to as slow wave sleep due to the synchronized brain waves visible on an EEG. Some studies show that people who co-sleep may share some of this synchronization, as well as other sleep patterns. (12) N3 usually begins approximately forty minutes after first falling asleep, and is the deepest and most restorative of all the sleep stages.

N3

Because N3 sleep is so deep, it may be quite difficult to be awakened from. A sleeper roused during N3 may feel groggy and disoriented, and mental performance may be impaired for 30 minutes or longer. (13) Reduced cerebral blood flow explains the need for this recovery time, which is necessary to give the brain the opportunity to resume normal functions.

During N3 sleep, the following physiological changes occur:

  • The body releases hormones to aid in appetite control
  • Blood flow to the brain decreases, while blood flow to muscles increases, allowing them to receive oxygen and restorative nutrients
  • Memory consolidation continues (14)
  • Blood pressure and heart rate decrease further
  • Breathing becomes slower and more rhythmic
  • Sleep spindle activity in the brain decreases

N3 sleep is essential for recuperation of the body, including growth and repair of muscle, bone, and other tissues. Glial cells receive sugar during this phase of sleep, allowing them to provide energy to the brain. This phase of sleep is also essential to strengthening and supporting the immune system. (15)

During slow wave sleep, brain waves transition to high voltage, slow-wave activity known as delta waves. Eye movement during N1 remains nearly non-existent, and the body is immobile. It is more difficult to rouse someone in this phase of sleep, and most external disturbances pass unnoticed.

SleepEating

Children may experience night disturbances and bedwetting during the N3 phase of sleep. (16) Parasomnias such as night terrors, sleep-eating, and sleepwalking also occur most commonly during this stage. Parasomnias may result from incomplete awakening during N3 sleep, which results in partial arousal of the autonomic nervous system leading to unusual activity.

An unusually high amount of N3 sleep may occur during recovery from sleep deprivation, while reduced N3 sleep may result from the use of benzodiazepines such as Valium or tri-cyclic anti-depressants.

People who don’t get enough N3 sleep, such as those suffering from chronic insomnia, may experience an impaired ability to consolidate memories. Decreased time spent in N3 may also be associated with aging, alcohol use, epilepsy, or depression. (17) (18)

REM Sleep

The shift to REM sleep is unlike any other stage of the sleep cycle. Though REM sleep occurs at the end of each cycle, it is the lightest stage of sleep besides N1. This phase begins with a signal from the pons, an area at the base of the brain. The signal travels through the brain to the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain responsible for processing thoughts and information. Dreams are thought to originate from this area of the brain.

The stage of REM sleep is characterized by:

  • A distinct sequence of body movements that indicate the transition out of N3 sleep
  • Paralysis of the muscles, known as REM-atonia (19)
  • Rapid and random eye movements
  • Fluctuations in breathing, circulation, and body temperature that are unique to REM sleep, and don’t occur at any other time during sleeping or waking
  • Vivid dreams

During NREM sleep, the mind is restful, while during REM sleep the mind is active and energized. On EEG, brain waves appear fast and desynchronized, similar to the state of being awake. In fact, REM is sometimes referred to as “paradoxical sleep” due to the similarities in functions with a waking brain. The REM phase lengthens with each consecutive cycle, with the final REM stage lasting approximately an hour.

In addition to signaling the start of REM sleep, the pons shuts off signals to neurons in the spine, creating widespread muscle paralysis. If this temporary paralysis does not occur, it may be a symptom of REM sleep behavior disorder, a sleep disorder in which sufferers act out their dreams. REM sleep behavior disorder may result in injury or damage to surroundings, and is a possible predictor of such neurological diseases as Parkinson’s or dementia. (20)

REMSleep copy 2
The Vivid Dreams of REM Sleep

Although REM sleep is the most physiologically similar state to that of being awake, it is the furthest from wakefulness in terms of the sleep cycle. Only narcolepsy sufferers and babies are able to proceed directly from a wake state directly into REM sleep. Typically, all the stages of NREM sleep must be passed through before REM sleep can occur.

Though sleep stages typically proceed in order, they may vary in terms of length as cycles repeat during the night. In the first two cycles of sleep, more time is generally spent in NREM sleep, while in subsequent cycles more time may be spent in the REM stage. (21)

In addition, the amount of time spent in each stage may be dependent on when a person falls asleep. Those who go to bed and rise early spend more time in NREM sleep, which tends to be dominant between 11 pm and 3 am. Night owls spend more time in REM sleep, which is more prevalent between 3 am and 7 am.

In order to feel sufficiently well rested and enjoy the health benefits of sleep, sleep must be both sufficient and efficient. Failing to achieve REM sleep results in sleep fragmentation, which may result in feeling fatigued and cognitively impaired. In addition, insufficient REM sleep can lead to :

  • Lowered immunity
  • Impaired hormone production
  • Changes in metabolism
  • Elevated risk for neurological diseases such as dementia (22)

An inefficient sleep cycle can produce the same effects as sleep deprivation, including reduced concentration, poor hand-eye coordination, daytime sleepiness, and irritability.

The amount of time spent in REM sleep tends to decrease with age. (23) While infants spend as much as 50% of sleep time in the REM stage, adults may spend closer to 20%. Sleep fragmentation also increases with age, though this may be due at least in part to medications used in the elderly to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.

What Are Process S and Process C?

The more time we spend awake, the more our urge to sleep increases. This feeling of “sleep pressure” is generated by a complex homeostatic process referred to as Process S. Process S is one part of a two-process model of sleep regulation. (24)

Process S is driven by the accumulation of a chemical called adenosine in the brain, as well as depletion of glycogen. Adenosine inhibits many of the processes in the body that influence wakefulness. The molecule attaches to cells in the forebrain that control wakefulness and influence their activity. This area of the brain is particularly sensitive to the feeling of “sleep pressure” associated with Process S.

SO SleepStagesArticleGraphics 2SleepDrive

The homeostatic sleep drive of Process S is so strong that it is nearly impossible for a human being to remain awake for more than a few days. This appears to prevent extensive physical injury due to prolonged sleep deprivation.

The restorative slow-wave sleep of N3 relieves the sense of sleep pressure characteristic of Process S. Other phases such as N1 and REM do not completely dispel the drive for sleep, underscoring the essential nature of N3 sleep.

In addition to Process S, sleep is influenced by Process C, a component of the internal biological clock known as circadian rhythm. While Process S explains why we feel increasingly sleepy as time goes on, Process C explains why we feel sleepier at particular times of day. This process is controlled by the circadian clock, which regulates the urge to sleep according to light and darkness.

While the homeostatic sleep drive of Process S increases throughout the day, it is balanced by the circadian drive to remain awake until nighttime, when the circadian clock switches from maintenance of an alert state to melatonin production in preparation for sleep. (25) As sleep continues through the night, the sleep drive of Process S diminishes, melatonin production decreases, and the circadian drive to awaken predominates, prompting a sleeper to wake up.

While Process S and Process C generally remain in balance, offsetting the need for sleep with the need to stay awake, sleep deprivation frequently tips the scales in favor of Process S, increasing the drive to sleep during times when remaining awake would normally prevail. When sleep is insufficient, however, the body becomes less sensitive to the changes in light that affect the circadian rhythm. (26) Sleep deprivation may lead to sleeping when wakefulness is usually predominant, such as late morning and afternoon.

Though Processes S and C largely control the drives to sleep and wake, other factors may influence sleeping and waking, as well. These factors include:

  • Ambient temperature
  • Stress
  • Exercise
  • Meals
  • Exercise
  • Light and noise

Maintaining Sleep Health

Far from being a passive process, the functions that occur during sleep are essential to health and well-being. Attaining sufficient sleep in all four stages requires adequate time for sleep, as well as attention to stress and other emotions that may impact sleep. Other essentials to maintaining good sleep health include:

  • Diagnosing and treating underlying medical conditions that may impact sleep
  • Evaluating potential sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and hypersomnia
  • Treating negative conditioning associated with sleep and the sleeping environment with such regimens as the Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia Protocol (27)
  • Regular exercise

SleepHygeine

Practicing healthy sleep hygiene may also help encourage restful and restorative sleep. The basics of sleep hygiene include:

  • Maintaining regular sleep and wake times
  • Eliminating noise, excessive light, and extremes of temperature in the sleeping environment
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
  • Reducing use of electronics in the hours leading up to sleep, as many of these emit a blue light similar to sunlight that may encourage wakefulness
  • Avoiding naps
  • Using the bed only for sleep and sex

Sleep is a dynamic state that evolves as our bodies change over a lifetime. From toxin removal to memory consolidation to wound healing, the processes that occur during sleep are essential to the healthy functioning of the brain and body.

Undisturbed sleep is frequently sacrificed to busy work schedules and family routines, but the increasing understanding of sleep’s importance may be changing how we prioritize rest and activity. Healthier habits and sleep-promoting routines help the body utilize all four essential stages of sleep, to the benefit of long-term health.

References

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  4. Waterhouse J, Fukuda Y, Morita T., Daily Rhythms of the Sleep-wake Cycle. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, Mar 13, 2012
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  9. Nielsen Tore, NREM Sleep Spindles are Associated with Dream Recall, Sleep Spindles & Cortical Up States: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 2016
  10. Fogel SM, Nader R, Cote KA, Smith CT., Sleep spindles and Learning Potential, Behavioral Neuroscience, Feb, 2007
  11. Arne Weigenand, Michael Schellenberger Costa, Characterization of K-Complexes and Slow Wave Activity in a Neural Mass Model, Computational Biology, 13 Nov. 2014
  12. Drews HJ, Wallot S, Weinhold SL, Mitkidis P, Baier PC, Roepstorff A, Göder R., Are We in Sync with Each Other? Exploring the Effects of Cosleeping on Heterosexual Couples’ Sleep Using Simultaneous Polysomnography: A Pilot Study, Sleep Disorders, Mar.30, 2017
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  14. D. Miyamoto, Top-down Cortical Input During NREM Sleep Consolidates Perceptual Memory. Science, 10 June 2016
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  22. Matthew P. Pase, Sleep Architecture and the Risk of Incident Dementia in the Community, Neurology, Sep. 19, 2017
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Rose MacDowell

Rose is the former Chief Research Officer at Sleepopolis. An incurable night owl, she loves discovering the latest information about sleep and how to get (lots) more of it. She is a published novelist who has written everything from an article about cheese factories to clock-in instructions for assembly line workers in Belgium. One of her favorite parts of her job is connecting with the best sleep experts in the industry and utilizing their wealth of knowledge in the pieces she writes. She enjoys creating engaging articles that make a difference in people’s lives. Her writing has been reviewed by The Boston Globe, Cosmopolitan, and the Associated Press, and received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. When she isn’t musing about sleep, she’s usually at the gym, eating extremely spicy food, or wishing she were snowboarding in her native Colorado. Active though she is, she considers staying in bed until noon on Sundays to be important research.