You know how in cartoons and movies, you see people waking up full of energy and excitement? That beautiful feeling of birds chirping and the sun smiling down on their face? Well, believe it or not, that’s not exactly fake. When your body gets enough sleep, mainly deep sleep, you’re bound to wake up feeling happy and satiated. But here’s the thing; how do you increase deep sleep? And what even is deep sleep?
Well, ask no more. We’re here to tell you exactly what deep sleep is and how you can fill your daily quota to maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
What is Deep Sleep?
Deep sleep, in all its glory, is the third stage of your sleep. It’s when your body slows down all its functions, taking this time to restore and repair your immune system. Even your heart rate and breathing drop into a mellow state while your eyes and muscles relax.
This allows your body to strengthen itself, giving you the boost you need in the morning. Plus, deep sleep has plenty of other names, such as delta sleep and slow-wave sleep, among others.
How Much Deep Sleep Do You Need?
When you’re young, your body automatically generates enough deep sleep. However, when you grow up, this stage of sleep starts to decrease. The reason this happens is because, as an adult, your body doesn’t need the extra repair time for growth. Well, not as much as kids do.
Nonetheless, you still need a certain amount of deep sleep to function properly. This number boils down to around 50 to 90 minutes per night. It’s crucial to also keep in mind that you should be getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
How To Increase Deep Sleep
Now that you know how crucial deep sleep is, you’re probably wondering how you can increase your deep sleep pattern. Well, luckily for you, we’ve listed some of the most effective methods to bring up your delta sleep count.
It all starts with maintaining a good night’s sleep, one where your body doesn’t force you to wake up. That, too, in the middle of the night. Nevertheless, here are some additional tips you can follow:
- Work Out on a Daily Basis
- Opt for Aromatherapy with Relaxing Scents
- Practice Meditation & Yoga
- Avoid Drinking Caffeine Before Bed
- Follow a Persistent Bedtime Routine
- Create a Soothing Sleep Environment with Proper Lighting, Bedding, Pillows, etc.
- Refrain from Drinking Alcohol Right Before You Sleep
- Listen to Something Soothing (White Noise, ASMR, etc.)
- Use a Light-blocking Sleep Mask
- Maintain a Healthy Diet with a High Fiber Count
- Turn off Your Cell Phone an Hour Before Bedtime.
Long Story Short
Given how important deep sleep is for your mental and physical health, it’s important you maintain a good sleep cycle. Nonetheless, when it comes to how to increase deep sleep, you can try taking small steps. For instance, put your phone away before bedtime or invest in a weighted blanket for a good night’s rest.
If you encounter problems with your sleep or would like to consult a sleep expert, reach out to Sleep & Headache Solutions at (832) 688-8886.