The Science Behind A Good Night’s Sleep

After years of intense research, you might find it difficult to believe scientists still aren’t 100% sure why we sleep. Researchers, though, are busy at work studying and analysing the effects of sleep deprivation and the science behind sleep.

In studying these issues, they hope to get one step closer to understanding the actual reason behind why we go to sleep. Scientists have found that sleep is a complex and intricate process involving every system of the human body.

For example, areas of the brain regulate and release hormones that help us get to sleep. While there is still much to learn, current research gives us a glimpse into sleep processes and their role in our general health and well-being.

As mentioned, many parts of the body and brain are involved in the sleep process. Here we look at a few of the most critical parts of the anatomy that are involved in helping us to get sleep.

Hypothalamus

Although the hypothalamus is the size of a peanut, it packs a real punch when it comes to the sleep process. It’s comprised of cells that are specifically involved in sleep and arousal.

The ‘suprachiasmatic nucleus’, or the SCN, is also found within the hypothalamus and comprises millions of cells responsible for receiving information directly related to light exposure and drowsiness.

When your SCN is not working efficiently, it can disrupt your circadian rhythm and, subsequently, your sleep pattern. Blind people, though, can sense light and adjust their sleep cycle accordingly.

The brain stem

The brain stem is responsible for communicating with the hypothalamus and is found at the brain’s base. Its main role is to regulate the transition from drowsiness to alertness and houses the medulla, pons and midbrain.

GABA is a chemical produced by the body to regulate brain activity, and the brain stem and hypothalamus play a critical role in its regulation.

Furthermore, the brain stem is a critical player in the REM sleep process as it helps the muscles relax, inducing tiredness.

Thalamus

The thalamus and the cerebral cortex relay information to each other, which helps to control both information and short and long-term memory. The thalamus is ‘muted’ during non-REM sleep stages and helps you relax and forget the day’s stresses.

Pineal gland

Most people have heard of the pineal gland but are unaware of its essential role in sleep. Situated in the brain’s two hemispheres, the pineal gland communicates with the SCN to boost melatonin production, a hormone that helps you sleep.

Those unfortunate enough to lose their sight are unable to sync their circadian clock using natural light. In these cases, experts have found that taking melatonin at the same time each day can help to regulate their sleep patterns.

Researchers also believe there may be a connection between the peaks and troughs of melatonin and our circadian rhythm.

Basal forebrain and amygdala

Located near the brain’s front and bottom, the basal forebrain plays a critical role in both helping us get to sleep and wake up. On the other hand, the midbrain is the area of the brain responsible for our arousal system.

The cells in the basal forebrain release a chemical called ‘adenosine,’ which helps to support sleep. Researchers have found that caffeine blocks the release of adenosine, which is why it’s critical to avoid coffee late in the afternoon.

Finally, the amygdala functions during stages of REM sleep, with its primary role being the processing of emotions while we sleep.

Research has found two types of sleep cycles called rapid eye movement or REM and non-REM sleep. Each of the four stages plays a specific role and is linked to various brain waves and neurons.

While sleeping, you cycle through each of the stages numerous times, with more extended REM periods occurring closer to the morning.

Stage 1

In this first stage, non-REM sleep is the transformation from being awake to getting to sleep. The stage only lasts a matter of minutes and involves regulating your breathing and heart rate, eye movements, and relaxing your muscles.

Stage 2

This is a period of non-REM sleep and is relatively light, helping you to prepare for the deeper sleep that’s just around the corner. In stage two, your breathing and heart rate slow, your muscles continue to relax, and your body temperature lowers.

Stage 3

While all stages are critical to getting a good night’s sleep, stage 3 is the stage in which your body recovers from the day’s activities. Your muscles repair and recuperate, and your heart rate and breathing slow even further.

REM Sleep

The last stage is REM sleep. REM sleep starts approximately 90 minutes after the first stage and sees an increase in brain activity similar to that near waking. In this stage, your heart rate picks up, and your breathing is quicker.

The REM stage is also the stage in which our dreaming occurs. Interestingly, the older we get, the less time we spend in REM sleep.

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