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REM SLEEP AS A THERAPY METHOD
While research reveals the importance of quality sleep for health, they also often emphasize the benefits of REM sleep. Finally, it turned out that REM sleep was a kind of therapy substitute.
Although sleeping may sound like a kind of rest, our bodies continue to work with our eyes closed. In the process of sleep, the body goes through two phases of sleep: the part in which the components of the body fall asleep and regenerate themselves, and REM sleep.
1-1.5 hours after falling asleep, REM sleep begins. At this time, the dream is observed, the heart rate increases, and even emotional movements occur.
REM sleep usually occurs every 90-120 minutes, and its duration is steadily increasing. And it summarizes the physical changes the body undergoes during REM sleep as follows:
– Increased heart rate.
– Higher blood pressure.
– Faster breathing.
– Fast eye movement.
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THE BRAIN’S INTERNAL THERAPY SYSTEM
During REM sleep, the brain also performs a lot of mental processing. Some people call it the brain’s own internal therapy system.
Although more research is needed, this therapeutic brain activity during REM sleep is associated with the following actions;
– Emotional processing.
– Memory consolidation (consolidating experiences in long-term memory).
– Dealing with unpleasant memories.
The researchers, who rate REM sleep as a therapy system, suggest that in this part of sleep, the brain tries to cope with emotional trauma.
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WHEN ARE DREAMS?
REM sleep is also associated with dreams; however dreams can also occur in non-REM sleep.
While seven hours or more of sleep is recommended each night for adults, no specific amount of REM sleep required is specified.
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HOW CAN I IMPROVE REM SLEEP?
REM sleep accounts for about 20% of sleep time, and he notes that people cannot control how much REM sleep they get.
However, there may be fewer REM sleep than usual due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Improving the quality of sleep in this case can help in troubleshooting the problem.
Adults are advised to sleep seven hours or more each night.
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HOW TO IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY?
It can be treated if there is any sleep disorder: if there is a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, this can cause disruptions in REM sleep. It will help to see a sleep specialist to get the proper tests done.
Keeping caffeine and alcohol intake under control: these types of substances can disrupt REM sleep. You have to stop drinking caffeine at noon to fight it. In addition, prescription drugs such as painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants can also affect REM sleep.
Ensuring good sleep hygiene: sleep hygiene refers to healthy sleep habits. Experts summarize these habits as;
– Having 30 minutes of relaxation time before bedtime.
– Keep the lights dim towards bedtime.
– Separation from electronic devices.
– Keeping the bedroom cool (about 18.5 degrees).
Getting enough sleep: getting enough sleep in general will help you get a good amount of REM sleep.
A regular sleep schedule: sleeping at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning can be beneficial for healthy sleep. This will help you fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling more rested.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
If the sleep time that is important for REM sleep is not taken enough, the emergence of a number of diseases can also be strengthened:
– Memory loss.
– Increased risk of heart disease.
– Decreased ability to lose weight.
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Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.
Physician's Resume:
Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.
Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.
In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.
Awards:
Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.
Certificates:
Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .
Professional Members:
American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.
Disclaimer:
Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.