Getting quality sleep is important. But is the time of falling asleep a determining factor? The answer would be yes and a doctor explained why.
Sleep has become a real social issue in recent years. According to a survey by the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance in partnership with MGEN carried out in 2023, it appeared that the French slept on average less than the seven hours recommended by health organizations. And if the quality of sleep also seems to be deteriorating, the time it takes to fall asleep would not be the only factor to take into account.
Some specialists on the subject question thetime of falling asleep as a potential trigger for health problems. Following a video published on social networks, Dr. Karan Raj, who shares his medical knowledge on his TikTok account, decided to look a little deeper into the question to answer this problem.
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Does it really matter what time we go to bed?
As the doctor explains in the images, sleep occurs in several 90-minute cycles each approximately. These are divided into two categories. The first is sleep with less REM (Rapid Eye Movement), that is to say with rapid eye movements under the eyelids which correspond to a phase where brain activity is closer to wakefulness. This phase dominates the first part of the night and offers deep, slow-wave sleep. The second category of sleep is that with strong REM. This is when we talk about REM sleep and when we have dreams that we can remember. It is the dominant phase of the second part of the night.
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Dr. Karan Raj also points out that each person’s bedtime depends mainly on their biological clock. Thus, some will be ready to go to bed around 10 p.m. while others will not be ready until 1 a.m. Despite everything, “the body will adapt so that you get enough sleep without REM and with REM”, underlines the specialist. With this in mind, bedtime has no real impact on the quality of the night. On the other hand, there might come a time when this is no longer true.
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The worst time to fall asleep
According to Dr. Karan Raj, there is a time in the night when bedtime would shake things up. It’s between three and four in the morning. “Regardless of your biology, your sleep will have more REM phases and you will have less deeper sleep without REM”, declares the doctor. And it would have real physical effects. According to the specialist, people who go to bed around this time tend to feel groggy and constantly tired.
This is why it is important to pay attention to your sleep habits. They can have a real impact on our well-being and therefore our life. Lack of rest or quality rest can cause stress levels to skyrocket which can become chronic. If you have recurring sleep problems, do not hesitate to consult a specialist to find solutions.
Editor
Passionate about issues of feminism and society, Allison puts her pen to work on current affairs for Aufeminin. It covers a wide range of themes to provide you with…
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