Have you ever questioned the below :
Am I getting enough sleep ? how many hours should I sleep ? still tired after night sleep ? o what are the benefits of sleep and what is sleep ? If so you are not a alone, with the advancement of science , research and data now we have better understanding than what we did decade ago.
WHAT IS SLEEP?
Sleep is simply the natural mechanism for recharging & repairing physical , physiological and psychological factors. My analogy would be just visualize your low battery mobile phone after day’s work now you have 2 options to re-charge, one is when the phone is switched on and the other when its completely shutdown, later will charge the phone faster and it will enable the phone & battery longevity.
Did you know on average person sleep 25-30 years of their life span, human body and brain are complex systems even as you read this scientist are researching and improving the understanding of sleep its impact on human body to improve well being, athletic performance & quality of life
Mammals & birds are wired to sleep, one could argue since evolution both species are geared to hunt, eat, mate & sleep. Sleep might be the best thing for you as per history cave man era , staying still at night might have prevented you from being the prey.
WHAT ARE THE LESS KNOW BENEFITS OF SLEEP
- Good quality sleep is associated with cell synthesis (growth & development of cells)
- Muscle tissue repair
- Growth hormone release
- Removes toxins from the brain which is accumulated whilst you are awake
- Improves nerve cell communication (neurons)
- Increase brain plasticity (replaying & storing events of the day, also process and affirm new memories) as neuron creates new synapse,
- Enhance immunity (as even a moderate sleep might drop your immunity by 40-50%
As for how it directly effects your metabolism, heart, respiratory and endocrine systems are still being further investigated . Adding to that right amount of sleep benefits all components biology &physiology in humans
HOW SLEEP OCCUR
It all boils down to Circadian Rhythm. Circadian (approximate day /24hours), hence best explanation is sleep -wake cycle is calibrated to sun rise & sun set (light) & temperature, which process mind and body functions (releasing hormones, body temperature, metabolism) throughout the 24 period.
This is why when we train athletes we emphasis certain training concepts on a certain times of the day, then again it depends on individual athlete, training cycle, physical and mental status, training load & volume e.g. 1500-1600hrs one athlete could train for reaction time which gains the maximum benefit for his or her sporting event.
SLEEP PROCESS :
It all starts in the brain’s Hypothalamus (which effects sleep & arousal) which the nervous system connects to the endocrine system, within Hypothalamus there is SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus) which receive information regarding light via eyes and the optic nerve, then it decides on bodily rhythms & functions .
With the sunrise SCN triggers hormone cortisol which increases heart rate, blood pressure, increase memory capacity & concentration, delays melatonin (your sleep hormone), physically and cognitively reason as to why you will function best in the morning.
As the day progress whether you are working at desk , house work or an athlete training for competition second triggers happens due to the buildup of Adenosine in the brain which is which is a byproduct of neurons & other cells which burns up ATP (adenosine triphosphate ) energy molecules , when you get a overload of Adenosine you tend to get sleepy that is your body’s communication method of saying “my battery is low & it’s time to recharge” reverting to my first analogy of the mobile phone.
Next they sun set and the darkness appear SCN sends signals to the pineal glad to produce melatonin sleep hormone then your body will go in to the stages of sleep. When sleeping adenosine drops & reabsorbs by neurons the very reason why we feel refreshed after good quality sleep.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF SLEEP:
These were defined by electrical activity in inside the brain monitored by EEG. Stages are categorized by frequency and amplitude. We have NREM (Non- Rapid Eye Movement) in 3 stages each linked with difference brain frequency & activity followed by REM (Rapid Eye Movement) these 4 stages cycles through the night each lasting around 90-110 min.
STAGE 1 NREM 1:
Low amplitude high frequency (theta waves) from wake mode blends to sleep mode lasts few minutes, some may experience hallucination. most common is hypnotic jerks (as if you were falling) associates with light sleep, low heart rate, slow breathing , light movement
STAGE 2 NREM 2:
Light sleep before the deep sleep ,body temperature and other functions drop further than stage 1. more theta waves& sleep spindles ( ability to sleep with loud noise )
K-complex (suppress cortico arousal keeping you at sleep) some memories are transferred to long term memory. More repeated sleep cycles are in this stage
STAGE3 NREM 3:
Slow wave sleep or delta sleep deep sleep stage low frequency high amplitude waves sleep walking or talking may occur. This stage happens in first section of the night, heart rate, breathing and muscle relaxation are at its best
REM SLEEP:
Muscle are paralyzed to prevent you from acting upon your dreams, as dreams occur in this stage it can be defined as paradoxical ( active mind with a paralyzed body).
Usually the first cycle happens in 90 minutes
Brain will have mixed frequency.
WHAT IS A SLEEP CYCLE ?
NREM 1-3 + NREM 2 + REM + N1 (cycle begins) for about 4-5 rounds. Each cycle lasting 90-110 minutes
HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP?
Majority of research and studies by experts, its evidence leads to 7-9 hours are optimal for adults.
When it comes to kids or older population this may vary, on the other side of the spectrum the elite athletes sleep pattern are based on the time zone where the competition is based, training cycle, individual training loads, nutrition, recovery cycles, training age, metabolic age, biological age are few points as performance coaches we take into account.
I would suggest invest in a good quality health watch to track your sleep, it may be not 100 percent accurate however you will have a good understanding on quality of sleep , hours etc.
NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF SLEEPING UNDER 7 HOURS OR SLEEPING OVER 9HOURS
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Decrease in athletic performance
- Depression
- Stroke
- Mental illness
- Decrease in immunity
above conditions not limited and further clarification should be address with your doctor /physicians , especially if you have troubles with sleeping patterns which are abnormal
SLEEP RELATED CONDITIONS WHICH NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION:
- Primary Insomnia (hyper arousal ) or secondary Insomnia (with health conditions)
- Sleep Apnea = Breathing interruption ( blood O2 will drop fast)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea= Breathing is blocked partially ( snoring)
- Central Sleep Apnea ( interruption of brain signals telling the body to breath) these are the most common conditions for adults this is why it is important to have regular medical checkup with your Doctor.
13 TIPS TO SLEEP BETTER & EFFICIENTLY
- Have a clean & a organized room
- Have clean sheets, comfortable mattress and pillows
- Set room temperature to suit your personal needs
- Have a regular time to wake up and sleep event when you travel adjust to the country zone
- Only associate your bed to sleep and to have Sex
- Have dim lights switch off all phones, computers , TV 1 hour prior to bed, use blue light protective glasses
- Cut down caffeine 12 hours before bed time
- Use meditation or other relaxation methods
- Have a warm bath shower before bed time or some of the athlete prefer Ice bath or contrast showers then again it’s your personal choice
- Read a book after warm shower
- Don’t just lie in bed, if you are not sleep do some other activity and come back to bed only to sleep
- Cut out alcohol and nicotine completely or at least few hours before bed time
- Use a sleep tracking app through your smartphone or invest in health & fitness wearable tracker
Hope you find this information useful, always consult your doctor prior to starting any fitness, nutrition or heath/sports related activity. Love to here your thoughts and remember to try the sleep tips
. Reference & Sources
Adam Zeman MA MRCP DM, Paul Reading MB BChir MA FRCP PhD, Clinic Med 2005;5:97–101
SLEEP, Volume 40, Abstract Supplement, 2017
Tina Hesman Saey, “Why of Sleep” , science news , October 24, 2009 ;19-32
www.nasa.gov/stemonstation.STEMonstration Classroom Connection: Sleep Science 1-7
Dinges DF, Pack F, Williams K, et al. Cumulative sleepiness, mood disturbance, and psychomotor vigilance performance decrements during a week of sleep restricted to 4–5 hours per night. Sleep. 1997;20:267–77. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Carskadon MA, Dement WC. Cumulative effects of sleep restriction on daytime sleepiness. Psychophysiology. 1981;18:107–13. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Adams N, Strauss M, Schluchter M, Redline S. Relation of measures of sleep-disordered breathing to neuropsychological functioning. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2001;163(7):1626–1631. [PubMed]
Albarrak M, Banno K, Sabbagh AA, Delaive K, Walld R, Manfreda J, Kryger MH. Utilization of healthcare resources in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A 5-year follow-up study in men using CPAP. Sleep. 2005;28(10):1306–1311. [PubMed]
Avidan AY, Fries BE, James ML, Szafara KL, Wright GT, Chervin RD. Insomnia and hypnotic use, recorded in the minimum data set, as predictors of falls and hip fractures in Michigan nursing homes. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2005;53(6):955–962. [PubMed]
Bahammam A, Delaive K, Ronald J, Manfreda J, Roos L, Kryger MH. Health care utilization in males with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome two years after diagnosis and treatment. Sleep. 1999;22(6):740–747. [PubMed]
Baldwin CM, Griffith KA, Nieto FJ, O’Connor GT, Walsleben JA, Redline S. The association of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep symptoms with quality of life in the Sleep Heart Health Study. Sleep. 2001;24(1):96–105. [PubMed]
Barger LK, Cade BE, Ayas NT, Cronin JW, Rosner B, Speizer FE, Czeisler CA. Harvard Work Hours HaS Group. Extended work shifts and the risk of motor vehicle crashes among interns. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;352(2):125–134. [PubMed]
Beebe DW, Gozal D. Obstructive sleep apnea and the prefrontal cortex: Towards a comprehensive model linking nocturnal upper airway obstruction to daytime cognitive and behavioral deficits. Journal of Sleep Research. 2002;11(1):1–16. [PubMed]
Belenky G, Wesensten NJ, Thorne DR, Thomas ML, Sing HC, Redmond DP, Russo MB, Balkin TJ. Patterns of performance degradation and restoration during sleep restriction and subsequent recovery: A sleep dose-response study. Journal of Sleep Research. 2003;12(1):1–12. [PubMed]
Beninati W, Harris CD, Herold DL, Shepard JW Jr. The effect of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea on the sleep quality of bed partners. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1999;74(10):955–958. [PubMed]
Hack MA, Choi SJ, Vijayapalan P, Davies RJO, Stradling JR. Comparison of the effects of sleep deprivation, alcohol and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on simulated steering performance. Respiratory Medicine. 2001;95(7):594–601. [PubMed]
Hart CN, Palermo TM, Rosen CL. Health-related quality of life among children presenting to a pediatric sleep disorders clinic. Behavioral Sleep Medicine. 2005;3(1):4–17. [PubMed]
Hasler G, Buysse DJ, Gamma A, Ajdacic V, Eich D, Rossler W, Angst J. Excessive daytime sleepiness in young adults: A 20-year prospective community study. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2005;66(4):521–529. [PubMed]
Hossain JL, Shapiro CM. The prevalence, cost implications, and management of sleep disorders: An overview. Sleep and Breathing. 2002;6(2):85–102. [PubMed]
Howard ME, Desai AV, Grunstein RR, Hukins C, Armstrong JG, Joffe D, Swann P, Campbell DA, Pierce RJ. Sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, and accident risk factors in commercial vehicle drivers. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2004;170(9):1014–1021. [PubMed]
Howell AJ, Jahrig JC, Powell RA. Sleep quality, sleep propensity and academic performance. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 2004;99(2):525–535. [PubMed]
insomnia and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic illness. Journal of Family Practice. 2002;51(3):229–235. [PubMed]
Kennedy JD, Blunden S, Hirte C, Parsons DW, Martin AJ, Crowe E, Williams D, Pamula Y, Lushington K. Reduced neurocognition in children who snore. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2004;37(4):330–337. [PubMed]
Kim HC, Young T, Matthews CG, Weber SM, Woodard AR, Palta M. Sleep-disordered breathing and neuropsychological deficits: A population-based study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 1997;156(6):1813–1819. [PubMed]
Leger D, Scheuermaier K, Philip P, Paillard M, Guilleminault C. SF-36: evaluation of quality of life in severe and mild insomniacs compared with good sleepers. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2001;63(1):49–55. [PubMed]
of performance degradation and restoration during sleep restriction and subsequent recovery: a sleep dose-response study. J Sleep Res. 2003;12:1–12. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Hill DW, Hill CM, Fields KL, Smith JC. Effects of jet lag on factors related to sport performance. Can J Appl Physiol. 1993;18:91–103. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
.Kline CE, Durstine JL, Davis JM, et al. Circadian variation in swim performance. J Appl Physiol. 2007;102:641–9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Hill DW, Borden DO, Darnaby KM, Hendricks DN, Hill CM. Effect of time of day on aerobic and anaerobic responses to high-intensity exercise. Can J Sport Sci. 1992;17:316–9. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Smith RS, Guilleminault C, Efron B. Circadian rhythms and enhanced athletic performance in the national football league. Sleep. 1997;20:362–5. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Baxter C, Reilly T. Influence of time of day on all-out swimming. Br J Sports Med. 1983;17:122–7. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Winget CM, DeRoshia CW, Holley DC. Circadian rhythms and athletic performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1985;17:498–516. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
. Reilly T, Atkinson G, Edwards B, Waterhouse J, Farrelly K, Fairhurst E. Diurnal variation in temperature, mental and physical performance, and tasks specifically related to football (soccer) Chronobiol Int. 2007;24:507–19. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
27. Roehrs T, Timms V, Zwyghuizen-Doorenbos A, Roth T. Sleep extension in sleepy and alert normals. Sleep. 1989;12:449–57. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
30. Levine B, Roehrs T, Zorick F, Roth T. Daytime sleepiness in young adults. Sleep. 1988;11:39–46. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
31. Barbato G, Barker C, Bender C, Giesen HA, Wehr TA. Extended sleep in humans in 14 hour nights (LD 10:14): relationship between REM density and spontaneous awakening. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1994;90:291–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
32. Samuels C. Sleep, recovery, and performance: the new frontier in high-performance athletics. Neurol Clin. 2008;26:169–80. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Comments
Post a Comment