9, the amazing things that happen to us during sleep

1. We are going through several sleep cycles

First body passes the first stage of slow wave sleep. We begin to doze off, but still partially aware of their surroundings. After the second and third stages of REM sleep begins. During her our dreams. A full cycle is 90-120 minutes and is repeated 4-5 times during the night.

2. Of brain derived waste

According to studiesGarbage Truck of the BrainDuring sleep activate the system of waste removal. It is run through the brain cerebrospinal fluid faster. So toxic substances are removed. For example, the molecular debris that accumulates during the day and may lead to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

3. New information is deposited in the memory

During sleep, the brain moves information from short-term memory to long-term. Therefore, sleep is so important for learning. It literally helps to consolidate their information for future use. So if you will be passing the exam, it is better to sleep than cramming all night.

4. We are on time, lose the ability to move

In REM sleep the brain switches off the neurons responsible for movement. Such a temporary paralysis of the need for our own safety. Thanks to him, we do not kick, do not push and do not reproduce the actions of dreams. This condition generally lasts about 20 minutes.

5. The brain makes up for the energy reserves

The body in general and the brain in particular need enough sleep to function properly. This explains why we overeatWhen you do not get enough sleep. With a lack of sleep produces more hunger hormone ghrelinA single night of sleep deprivation increases ghrelin levels and feelings of hunger in normal-weight healthy men.. In this state, we are drawn to high-calorie foods and simple carbohydrates such as donuts or bread.

6. Our automated motor skills

In the phase of REM sleep, the brain consolidates the information received motor skills. Once the information about the action falls into the temporal lobe, not to think about it anymore. You'll be doing it automatically. Therefore, if you want a better drive, dance, or play tennis, sleep longer.

7. We make important decisions

If you are torn between two options - get some sleep. According to studiesInducing Task-Relevant Responses to Speech in the Sleeping Brain.During sleep, our brain processes complex problems. When you wake up, it will be easier to make a decision.

8. We are moving away from reality

In phases of deep sleep, the brain is disconnected from the outside world. This explains phenomena such as talking and walking in a dream. According toSleepwalking American National Foundation for sleep problems, the probability of anomalous behavior increases when we do not get enough sleep for a long time. So try to put to sleep 7-8 hours.

9. We increased creative potential

Looking for inspiration? Scientists from the University of California at Berkeley foundHuman relational memory requires time and sleepThat during sleep the brain detects distant associations between the data. During the day, we just do not notice them. After sleeping subjects were 33% more likely to find creative solutions.