A PRESCRIPTION FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

STAGE ONE

The sleeper is just falling asleep. This stage only lasts a few minutes.

STAGE TWO

Brainwaves are larger and slower than Stage One.  The eyes roll slowly.

STAGE THREE

Deep sleep, body is very relaxed.  The sleeper's heart rate and blood pressure fall.

STAGE FOUR

The sleeper lies still and breathes slowly.  Heart rate and temperature are low.

RAPID EYE MOVEMENT  (REM)

Eyeballs dart back and forth under eyelids.  The most detailed dreams occur
during REM. Your body can't move.  This is called sleep paralysis.

THE SLEEP CYCLE

The sleeper goes through the first four stages, then back to Stage Three then Stage
Two.  But instead of going back to Stage One, you go to REM.  You have several
sleep cycles in one night.   Nightmares happen in REM and night terrors come during
Stage Four.