Sleep is essential for maintaining our vitality. Its effects are attracting attention not only for fatigue recovery but also from the perspective of preventative medicine. Why not learn about the bodily mechanisms that occur during sleep and further enhance the benefits of sleep?
Anyone can create a rhythm that produces quality sleep if they can
Sleep is closely related to the internal body clock in the brain.
The sleep rhythm, where we feel sleepy at night and wake up naturally in the morning, arises from a balance between the "desire for sleep" and the "power to wake."
The body demands sleep to recover from the fatigue accumulated in the body and brain during activity.
After sleeping for the amount of time necessary for recovery, the internal body clock sends a signal to wake up naturally.

What happens when you disrupt your sleep rhythm?


When the body's internal clock, which is normally regulated by adequate sleep, becomes irregular, it can lead to various physical ailments.
Basic bodily functions (such as body temperature and hormone secretion balance) operate on an approximately 24-hour rhythm, also known as the circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is generated by the internal clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which judges the day-night environment and regulates bodily functions.
Sleep deprivation and irregular lifestyle habits disrupt the formation of the body's internal rhythm from the brain, leading to decreased metabolism, increased susceptibility to lifestyle-related diseases, and mental illnesses. Therefore, being mindful of maintaining a consistent sleep rhythm on a daily basis can help prevent illness.

Let's understand the mechanism of sleep.


After a certain amount of time has passed since waking up, the brain secretes hormones that promote sleep, weakening cerebral cortex activity and leading to sleep.
Sleep consists of alternating cycles of "REM sleep," which rests the body, and "non-REM sleep," which rests the brain.
Typical sleep begins with deep non-REM sleep, followed by lighter REM sleep. After that, the cycle of non-REM and REM sleep repeats approximately every 90 minutes.
During sleep, the autonomic nervous system functions and hormones are secreted in a way that is appropriate for the time of day, performing functions such as rest and repair.
After an appropriate amount of sleep, the body's internal clock secretes hormones that promote wakefulness, gradually raising blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a natural awakening.

Melatonin is the hormone that induces sleep.


Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep.
Its secretion is controlled by light and the body's internal clock; it is low during the day and secreted at more than ten times the amount at night.
Even at night, exposure to bright light will reduce its secretion. To ensure good sleep, it is necessary to create a light-free sleeping environment so that sufficient melatonin can be secreted.

About REM sleep


During sleep, the muscles throughout the body relax, conserving energy and allowing the body to rest efficiently. However, brainwave activity remains relatively high, making fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure more likely.
As morning approaches, the period of lighter REM sleep lengthens, and it is said that dreams are most common during REM sleep.
"REM" stands for rapid eye movements, and it accounts for about 20% of sleep time.

About non-REM sleep


During sleep, the brain, which has been active during the day, is given rest, and growth hormone is secreted to promote cell repair and growth. Brainwave activity decreases, and the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, relieving fatigue in both the brain and body.
The deepest stage of non-REM sleep occurs immediately after falling asleep and gradually shortens as dawn approaches.
This is also a time when you are likely to sweat during sleep because the brain is being cooled intensively and heat is being released to lower body temperature.

To wake up feeling refreshed


Waking up feeling refreshed allows you to start the day off right.
What exactly is happening inside your body when you wake up feeling refreshed?

Awakening is the switch to awakening


The brain, which has been intensively cooled and rested during the first half of sleep, begins to raise its temperature in preparation for wakefulness.
When the adrenocortical hormones, which have an awakening effect, are secreted, the brain temperature starts to rise. Adrenocortical hormones also play a role in counteracting daytime stress and are secreted in large quantities from around 3 a.m. until dawn, preparing the body for daytime activities. A
pleasant awakening indicates that the body has switched from rest during sleep to activity mode.

The body is sharp when in an awakened state.


Concentration and reflexes improve, leading to increased work and daily task efficiency, and enhanced athletic performance. An
awakened brain is also conducive to learning, making it easier to further develop skills and improve memory.
In addition to maintaining overall physical and mental health, it can also reduce the risk of illness.

Get a refreshing awakening with quality sleep.


For quality sleep, pay attention to your bedroom environment and lifestyle habits.
Improving your bedroom environment—including temperature, humidity, and lighting—and incorporating lifestyle habits that promote natural sleepiness can lead to better rest and a more refreshing awakening.


Utilize the mechanisms of sleep to make every day more comfortable


Sleep is especially important when you're leading a busy life. It's said that
we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. Even when you're tempted to cut back on sleep, why not utilize the sleep mechanism that allows your brain and body to recover and make the most of your active time? Refresh your brain and body with sleep and enjoy a healthy and comfortable life!