pathoscribe

Written by Caitlin Maramba | Art by Trevor Cheng

Across the average person’s life, about a third of it will be spent sleeping. All of that time is dedicated to restoring your body while unconscious. What actually happens, however, in your body while you are knocked out? The truth is that modern medicine still does not know the entirety of it. Nevertheless, they have discovered the sleep cycle, which  contains four sleep stages including both REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). 

There are three NREM stages, each providing a different purpose and having a different length. Stage 1 is the shortest sleep cycle and occurs immediately after one falls asleep. It only takes place for a few minutes and only happens once. Stage 2 is when your brain actually starts to relax and slow. Around half of your sleep time will be spent in Stage 2, and it is the only stage that can precede REM sleep. Stage 3, also known as deep sleep, is harder to wake up, and it is known to bolster recovery across the body. Deep sleep does the most in regards to being rested, and as you get older you will need less of it. 

After Stage 3, the body will re-enter Stage 2 before REM sleep, or Stage 4. During REM sleep, the brain begins to dream and looks similar to when it is awake. Additionally, the eyes begin to move rapidly, as the name suggests. REM sleep ensures the brain can organize memories, be creative, and function properly. All 4 stages make up the sleep cycle, in which the first cycle usually takes 90 minutes and gradually grows longer across the night. 

While it is commonly thought that more hours of sleep leads to an energized body, quality of sleep is actually more beneficial. Spending more time in Stage 3 and REM sleep allows your body to repair itself, your cells to reinforce their immune system, and your brain to reorganize itself. The sleep cycle allows for proper recovery after a long day and time for your body to relax. Remember the complex way your body winds down next time you feel the urge to stay up late. 

Works Cited:

“Sleep.” my.clevelandclinic.org, Cleveland Clinic, 19 June 2023, 

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep. Accessed July 5, 2025. 

Suni, Eric. “Stages of Sleep: What Happens in a Normal Sleep Cycle?” sleepfoundation.org, 

Sleep Foundation, 21 May 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics. Accessed July 5, 2025. 

Levine, Hallie. “REM Sleep:What Is It, Why Is It Important, and How Can You Get More of It?” 

health.harvard.edu, Harvard Health Publishing, September 9, 2024, http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/rem-sleep-what-is-it-why-is-it-important-and-how-can-you-get-more-of-it.