What does my sleep history mean?

When we sleep we pass through several sleep stages, which form one full sleep cycle. A full sleep cycle of all the stages typically takes 90-110 minutes and, after a complete sleep cycle, we begin again at the first stage and repeat the process until we wake. The sleep stages are broken down into REM and non REM stages. 

The Kokoon Relax algorithm processes your EEG data, and provides a break down of your sleep, according to the AASM definitions of sleep stages, breaking down your sleep into periods of being awake, in light sleep (N1 and N2), deep sleep (N3) and finally REM. 

The light sleep stages are the phases of sleep when we're more easily woken by our environment, particularly N1. The second light sleep stage, or N2, is the ideal stage to wake up during if you're trying to nap, allowing you to wake without feeling groggy or in some cases even more tired than when you went to sleep.

When we reach deep sleep, our brain waves have slowed, into a pattern known as delta waves. Deep sleep is the most restorative of the sleep stages, and the least likely to be disturbed by your environment. During this phase of sleep, your body beings to repair the muscles from the previous day and boosts your immune system. 

Finally, we enter the final stage, known as REM sleep - Rapid Eye Movement. During this stage of sleep, our brain waves appear similar to when we are awake. Your brain is most active during REM, with your breathing and heart rate also becoming quicker and your blood pressure rising. This is the stage of sleep when we are most likely to dream, and is when your brain processes all of the information from the previous day, committing it to your long term memory.