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<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis article is evidence-based, verified by Dr. Alexandra Vilceanu MD<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
A typical night of sleep consists of 5 stages that repeat cyclically. Stages 1-4 comprise non-REM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep, while stage 5 is REM (rapid eye movement). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-REM sleep makes the transition from wakefulness to deep sleep. During this time, we consolidate recollections of the day, committing some to long-term memory. Dreams during this stage are rather plain and based on the day\u2019s experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During REM sleep, the eyes dart back and forth, thus giving this stage its name. During this stage, we experience vivid dreams, while we lose all muscle tone and the body temperature drops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An EEG recorded during REM state is remarkably similar to one taken while awake, with significant activity throughout the brain and particularly within the hippocampus. From a psychological perspective, REM sleep is thought to play an essential role in processing and consolidating emotional memories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More recent research suggests that REM sleep plays a role in emotional modulation as well. So much so that several studies associate an unusual REM sleep pattern with mood disorders \u2013 depression with an increased amount of REM sleep, anxiety with a reduced amount of REM sleep, or PTSD with flashbacks during REM sleep<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia is defined by dissatisfaction with either sleep quantity or quality. Patients experience trouble either falling asleep or maintaining sleep. People with insomnia often only get a few hours of sleep a night, either sleeping late, waking up abnormally early, or both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, even if the sleep is of typical duration, it can be of poor quality \u2013 nonrestorative sleep being a common complaint among insomniacs. As a consequence, daily activities are invariably affected. Patients experience fatigue, mood swings, and attention deficits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a medical perspective, a few types of insomnia can be diagnosed:4 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be an independent affliction, but it often occurs in the context of another mental disorder \u2013 such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It is not uncommon that it accompanies medical conditions<\/a>, such as chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, or a breathing-related sleep disturbance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic insomnia symptoms are estimated to occur in about one-third of adults, although only 6-10% meet the criteria for insomnia disorder. Acute insomnia, however, is estimated to affect as much as 50% of the population<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its long-term consequences<\/a> range past the patients\u2019 complaints. The chronic lack of proper restorative sleep has been associated with several medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and chronic pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
