By: Dr. Riffat Sadiq, CEO of WNY Medical PC, Channel Creator

When it comes to the many busy aspects of life, getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are many solutions to improve your ability to get proper rest every night. We go through numerous sleep cycles throughout the night, each one lasting approximately 90 minutes. What can we do to experience each of these cycles effectively while sleeping?

The first stage of sleep is the transition between being awake and being asleep. The second stage of sleep involved being fully asleep, but not to its fullest extent. The third stage of sleep is deep sleep, which is the most crucial for body repair and growth. The final stage of sleep is Rapid Eye Movement sleep. This is where brain activity increases, dreams happen, and muscle paralysis occurs. It is simply known as REM.

How do I ensure that I reach each of these levels of sleep every night? Overall, quality sleep is essential for our general functionality and should be taken seriously. Avoid consuming caffeine ten hours before bedtime. Avoid food and alcohol three hours prior to going to bed. Lastly, avoid screen time one hour before lying down for sleep. Consistency is key, and staying on a routine is essential to optimize good sleeping habits. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Also, upkeep the environment you sleep in as a dark, quiet, and cool space. This is key to falling and staying asleep.

Overall, sleep health is essential to boosting our immune system, as well as maintaining healthy energy levels the next day. Speak to your doctor if you have issues sleeping consistently.