Stages of Sleep and Snoring

All sleep is not the same. Most people sleep between six to eight hours daily, moving between four different stages of sleep. Deep REM sleep, where most dreaming takes place, also occurs within the four sleep stages. No one progresses into these stages of sleep in any particular order or for any set amount of time in any stage. People cycle between each stage of sleep throughout the night. Snoring and sleep disorders can disturb the pattern and quality of sleep. Sleep apnea, the most common and potentially dangerous sleep disorder, can be recognized by loud, sharp snoring followed by silence when the sleeper is not breathing. Sleep apnea needs to be treated to improve sleep and quality of life.

Stage One Sleep

• In stage one of sleep, you are drifting in and out of consciousness. This stage occurs when you first go to bed. Muscles start to relax and breathing begins to slow. The brain drifts between theta waves---the state where you are barely conscious just before sleeping and just after waking---interrupted by brief periods of alpha waves, similar to those when you're awake.

Stage Two Sleep

• In stage two sleep, you are fully unconscious. In those not suffering from sleep disorders, this stage lasts about 20 minutes and brain wave activity is produced called "sleep spindles" where the heart rate slows and body temperature lowers.

Stage Three Sleep

• In stage three sleep, slow delta brain waves---the brain's state of deep sleep and unconsciousness---begin to appear. This stage of sleep is where the most healing powers of sleep occur. In this state---as well as stage four of sleep---gentle or conventional snoring may occur caused by the vibration of soft tissue in the pharynx as air flows through a partially blocked airway.

Stage Four Sleep

• Stage four sleep is the deepest and usually the longest state of sleep where delta waves dominate. This is the stage where conventional snoring and sleepwalking will most likely occur. You are much harder to wake from stage four sleep and will most likely be disorientated upon awakening, which can last a few seconds to a few minutes.

REM Sleep

• This is the state of sleep where dreams are made. Brain activity quickens, heartbeat becomes more rapid and muscles become paralyzed to prevent you from acting out on your dreams. There are marked physiological differences between REM sleep and the other stages of sleep where muscles start to relax. It is in this state of sleep where the signs of snoring related to sleep apnea are most apparent. Sleep apnea can be identified by unusually loud snorting snores followed by silence when the sleeper is not breathing. This type of snoring can be a sign of a serious medical condition and should be treated by a doctor.