Understanding and Controlling Sleep Cycles

The brain cycles through several stages of sleep numerous times throughout the night. If any of these stages are disrupted, you will feel  sleep.-deprived. But you can manage your sleep.  Did you know that meditation can help normalize the sleep patterns?
In the 1950s, the EEG (electroencephalograph) gave scientists new insights into sleep and brain activity during each stage. Two stages of sleep were identified: NREM or Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep, also known as “quiet sleep” and REM or Rapid Eye Movement Sleep, also known as “active sleep.” All stages except for Stage 5 are classified as NREM sleep.