Sleep

[Jimmy1]

Alrighty, I have been doing some research on the elusive 'Sleep Cycle' that the majority of us fail to achieve.

Research has shown that the sleep cycle lasts 90 min. Apparently we go through a number of cycles before reaching REM (Rapid Eye Movement). In the first cycle, the REM stage only lasts for a few minutes, and progresses from there. If we manage to sleep for six hours, we have gone through four complete cycles and our REM stage by the end of that will last approx 20 min.

So if we are interrupted during our sleep with nightmares or a leaking bladder etc, our REM cycle will never build up.
Therefor, a person who sleeps six hours constant will feel better than a person who sleeps for 8 or 10 hours of interrupted sleep.

Does that make sense???

 

[Ned]

Absolutely, sounds a bit like catching a wave/finding a thermal/shooting on the gust or the calm.
Question of synchronisation and good prep beforehand. Sometimes I am very aware (usually about an hour before the alarm is due to go off) that I'm relaxed and getting good rest. Would be great to be able to jump in at the right time.........

 

[Jimmy1]

Well most people fight off a wave of sleepiness to finish watching a show. It finishes 10 min later and they are laying in bed wondering why they cannot sleep. And your right, they talk about proper sleep preparation. No caffeine after a certain time. Turn the box off and read a book, etc. As soon as your feeling drowsy, lights off and go for it.

The problem we with PTSD have is the random thoughts going through our mind, medication, nightmares, etc, so therefore we may reach the first REM cycle, but we don't make the second or third therefore we wake up not feeling rested.