How much of total sleep is typically spent in NREM Stage 2?

Typically, individuals spend about 50% of their total sleep time in NREM Stage 2. NREM Stage 2 is a crucial part of the sleep cycle characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological changes, such as a decrease in heart rate and body temperature. This stage serves as a transitional phase between light sleep and deep sleep, helping the body prepare for the more restorative stages of sleep. The extended duration of this stage is vital for overall sleep quality and plays a role in memory consolidation and the body’s recovery processes. Understanding the significance of Stage 2 provides insight into why maintaining sufficient sleep duration is essential for health and well-being.