While there is a greater focus on keeping basic health routines intact, such as the habit of sleeping on time or having experienced REM sleep, those who have the highest level of difficulty in maintaining them are those who end up working night shifts in various industries.
What is the phenomenon called REM sleep?
Dr Salil Bendre, director of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, said, “REM or rapid eye movement sleep is one of the two main stages of sleep; the other is non-REM sleep.”
REM sleep is characterized by increased brain activity due to dreaming and rapid eye movement. Because brain activity is similar to that during waking life, as a precautionary measure, muscles temporarily paralyze to prevent a person from moving externally and sustaining injury. REM sleep occurs in cycles throughout the night, beginning 90 minutes after you fall asleep and repeating about 4-5 times in a healthy sleep cycle.
Can night shift workers experience REM sleep?
“Normally, our sleep cycle follows the body’s circadian clock, which is aligned with natural light and darkness. However, studies have shown that the sleep cycle is also highly dependent on various environmental, physical and dietary factors,” said Dr. Salil Bendre.
“In this way, night shift workers can experience REM sleep even during the day with a fixed sleep schedule, a comfortable, dimly lit environment, and a proper diet. Although this sleep may not be as restorative as nighttime sleep, it can be achieved with the right measures.
“However, since REM and non-REM sleep cycles are critical for cognitive functions such as memory retention, emotional stability, problem-solving ability, and physiological well-being, it is essential to get 8 hours of sleep each day, regardless of sleep schedule.”
Consequences of not sleeping at night
Those who avoid sleeping at night are at a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Health problems also include memory problems, reduced cognitive function, slow reaction time, and a change in the circadian rhythm that leads to indigestion and mood swings. It also negatively affects people’s immune system. However, morning sleep cannot replace the usual benefits of nighttime sleep due to the inherent hormonal environment in the body.
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