In a sleep-restricted environment, what kinds of sleep suffer and what’s the best way to cope?
Q: If one was in a sleep-restricted environment, like being deployed in combat theater, would more slow wave sleep be better to help you cope? Would a power nap help with this?
A: When it comes to cutting back on sleep, due to being in a combat zone, experiencing a natural disaster, or participating in a multi-day endurance sport, it’s usually REM sleep that suffers the most, followed by Light sleep. Deep Sleep comes earlier in the night, so it’s usually unaffected by reducing one’s total sleep time.
In shorter sleep periods, usually it’s REM sleep that suffers the most, while Light Sleep is also reduced. Deep Sleep comes earlier in the night, usually within the first three hours, so it often shows up in polyphasic sleep naps.
The reason behind this is that REM sleep comes in waves that get progressively longer as the night goes on. The first REM cycle may only last five minutes, while REM cycles of the morning can last 40 minutes or longer.
So, if you’re only having 4 hour naps, you will most likely be REM deprived before you’re Deep Sleep deprived.
However, if one then takes an afternoon nap, the brain will jump immediately to REM to compensate.
That said, if you are in an environment with lots of erratic sounds (like city streets or mortar blasts), Deep Sleep may also suffer. Lots of disturbances can prevent the brain from dipping into Deep Sleep, even if you go immediately back to sleep after the disturbance or don’t wake up at all. The best way to avoid this is to use earplugs and an eyemask to help make your sleeping environment as comfortable–and restful–as possible.
Related Content:
- How can I increase my time in Deep Sleep?
- Any tips for someone who’s overworked, sleep deprived, and feeling anxious?
- What are the risks of polyphasic sleep?
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