Ten Things That Happen to Our Body During Sleep

Sleep is a captivating subject, isn’t it? It conjures a sense of relief, relaxation, dreams, and well-being. While you are immersed in slumber, your body remains active, performing various functions and releasing specific hormones. Don’t worry; it’s all for your benefit. After reading this article, your understanding of sleep will likely transform.

10. Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a temporary condition that can occur when you fall asleep or when you wake up. During this phase, your muscles become paralysed, leaving you unable to move, speak, or respond. This state typically occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep.

9. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Cycle

Research shows that the REM sleep cycle accounts for 20–25% of our total sleep duration, roughly spanning 90–120 minutes each night. During REM sleep, your eyes dart quickly from side to side. Despite extensive studies, the scientific explanation for this phenomenon remains elusive.

8. Generation of Human Growth Hormones

Human growth hormones play a crucial role in regenerating our muscles, bones, and other tissues. These hormones are predominantly produced during the deepest phases of sleep, spurred by low blood glucose levels in our bodies.

7. Higher Collagen Production in the Skin

The release of growth hormones also stimulates the production of collagen, which is crucial for skin elasticity and strength. This process begins when fat cells in our body start releasing stored energy.

6. Narrowing of Throat

As you sleep, your breathing patterns change and your throat naturally narrows due to muscle relaxation. This constriction can lead to noisy snoring in some individuals.

5. Drop in Body Temperature

When you fall asleep, your body temperature slightly decreases, reducing the amount of energy expelled.

4. Lowering of Blood Pressure Levels

Your blood pressure begins to decline once you enter a state of sleep. This drop is beneficial as it allows your circulatory system and cardiac muscles to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Limited Functioning of Kidneys

Normally, the kidneys work to filter toxins from the bloodstream and excrete them through urine. However, their activity diminishes during sleep, resulting in reduced or no urine production.

2. Dreaming Mysterious Tales

Many of us have woken up perplexed by a vivid or bizarre dream. Despite numerous studies aimed at understanding why dreams occur and what they might signify, the answers still need to be more conclusive.

1. Sleep Talk

Talking in your sleep is a phenomenon most commonly observed in adult males. This can happen at any sleep stage and may be triggered by factors such as stress, depression, or sleep apnea.

Sleep is more than just a nightly escape; it’s a complex yet harmonious symphony of physiological processes. Understanding what happens to our bodies during sleep can help us prioritise this essential activity and make informed choices for better health. So the next time you lay down to catch some Z’s, remember the intricate ballet of functions your body performs to maintain your well-being.

If you found these insights captivating, don’t keep them to yourself. Share this article with your family and friends to enlighten them about the mysterious yet essential world of sleep. And if you’re concerned about any sleep-related issues, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for professional advice.