Sleep is a very complex process in which your body enters a unique state of relaxation to recover.
When it gets dark, your body starts to produce melatonin — the sleep hormone. This hormone makes you sleepy and prepares the body for sleep. Melatonin is produced in the brain, in a gland called the pineal gland. The pineal gland receives information from the body and brain that it is dark and starts producing melatonin. This substance is then released to the rest of the body, making you feel sleepy.
Sleep consists of different phases, including light sleep and deep sleep. In these phases the body rests, recovers and prepares for the next day.
Light sleep: During light sleep the body is not yet completely at rest. The body only starts producing growth hormones and recovery hormones in this phase. Memory is also consolidated in this phase. This phase lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Deep sleep: In deep sleep the body is completely at rest. Most recovery processes take place here. In this phase, melatonin and cortisol are produced, allowing the body to recover and prepare for the next day. This phase lasts approximately 20 minutes.
During sleep, various parts of the body repair and regenerate, including the brain, nervous system, heart and blood vessels, muscles and bones. Dreams help you process and integrate emotions and experiences.
Sufficient and quality sleep is vital and has a direct effect on your physical, emotional and mental health. If you regularly get insufficient sleep, this can lead to fatigue, stress, irritation and less productivity. Moreover, this can also lead to health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and even depression. It is therefore very important to invest in your sleep and ensure that you get enough quality sleep every night.
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
