Learn, Share, Grow - Why Light Sleep is Important

October 18, 2021

Below is a lesson from Whoop on what happens during light sleep and why it’s an integral part of the sleep cycle, as well as our key learnings.

The Blue Courage team is dedicated to continual learning and growth.  We have adopted a concept from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why team called “Learn, Share, Grow”.  We are constantly finding great articles, videos, and readings that have so much learning.  As we learn new and great things, this new knowledge should be shared for everyone to then grow from.

What is Light Sleep and Why It’s Important

OCTOBER 3, 2021

BY CASEY MESERVE

Light sleep is as important as the other stages of sleep, although it gets less attention. Learn what happens during light sleep and why it’s an integral part of the sleep cycle.

Light sleep is the transitional stage between waking and sleeping. Your body goes through 4 sleep stages during the night, cycling through these stages several times while you’re asleep.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING LIGHT SLEEP?

As you begin falling asleep, your heart rate and respiratory rate slow. At this stage you may still hear noise and be sensitive to temperature changes and movement, and you may believe you’re still awake. You may begin dreaming during light sleep, but your dreams will likely be less coherent or intense than dreams during REM sleep. It’s far easier to wake during light sleep than other stages.

HOW MUCH LIGHT SLEEP DO YOU NEED?

Continue reading here.

Key Learnings:

• Light sleep - transitional stage between waking and sleeping.
   
• Body cycles through 4 sleep stages several times a night. On average you’ll go through 3-5 sleep cycles each night and 40-50% of that consists of light sleep.
   
• During light sleep: your heart rate and respiratory rate slow. You may still hear noises and sensitive to movement or temperature changes. You may begin dreaming but will likely be less coherent and intense. Easier to wake. Usually lasts between 10-30 minutes and gets longer during subsequent cycles.
   
• As we age we tend to get more light sleep and less deep sleep. Total sleep time can decrease and we may wake more often.
   
• Every stage of sleep is important for physical and mental health. Light sleep is the point where your muscles relax, body temperature decreases, brain waves begin slowing. Light sleep surprises our senses and prevents us from moving so we can remain asleep. It’s important for memory, learning and motor skills.