WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU SLEEP?

A woman comfortably in bed, propped up by two pillows, engrossed in reading a magazine.

Loading... 125 view(s) 2 min read

What happens during the night? What physiological functions and processes have been going on in your body while you were sleeping? We have some answers for you here.

BREATHING, BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE

When you're getting ready for bed your body is also doing the same. Your normal physiological processes slow down. You take fewer breaths per minute, and your heart rate slows down. The normal heart rate for a resting adult is 60–100 beats per minute but during sleep 40–50 beats per minute is normal.

HORMONES DURING SLEEP

While you are asleep, growth hormones increase. These growth hormones help support tissue growth and repair. Experts estimate that up to 75 percent of growth hormones are released during sleep so your body and muscles can restore and rebuild.

YOUR MUSCLES DURING SLEEP

During sleep, the blood supply to your muscles increases. In fact, 40 percent of the usual blood flow to your brain is redirected to your muscles instead to restore energy and help any necessary healing processes. During REM sleep, your body naturally stops you from moving beyond basic functions like breathing. Only the muscles that control your eyes and your breathing are mobile. This is an important function to prevent you from hurting yourself when you’re not fully conscious. Generally, your body needs rest, but it still does a lot of important work while you’re asleep. If you find you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, it’s important to consult a professional to find a solution. A doctor can make a diagnosis and treat any medical conditions.

Posted in: All Posts Sleep Advice

Did you like this post?