Sleep issues are something many of us can bond over (as we hunch over our espresso)—68% of Americans have reported that they struggle with sleeping at least once per week. But the way we think about sleep is in need of a wake-up call. Our body passes through multiple cycles of sleep stages every night, which are categorized into non-rapid eye movement sleep (non-REM) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). The three stages of non-REM sleep take us from a waking state to deep sleep, after which we reach REM sleep. In REM, the eyes move side-to-side beneath our closed eyelids, our heart and breathing rates increase, and we tend to experience vivid dreams. To experience restorative sleep, we have to cycle through these sleep stages multiple times. On average, a sleep cycle takes about 90 minutes. In one night, the average person will cycle through about four to six times2. These figures are why adults are generally recommended to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night! Do your best to go to bed at the same time every night and try to wake up at the same time each morning. Studies have shown that a regular sleeping/waking time has numerous health benefits—like regulating mood status and metabolic health support. In addition to these basics, make sure your snooze sanctuary is dark, or wear an eye mask. And sleep temperature is everything! Make sure you’re cool enough, and add fans or cooling sheets if needed. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Devon’s first book, Earth Women, is coming soon. To learn more, join the mailing list, and receive updates, head to www.devonbarrowwriting.com.
