ABC of Zzz

The circadian rhythm…

regulates periods of sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day

can be affected by age, sleep debt, and change in routine

can be different for people who are “early birds” or “night owls”

all of the above

Light has a chemical effect on the brain that affects sleep.

The part of the brain that controls the circadian rhythm is…

Ribonucleic acid

Hypothalamus

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Mitochondria

Melatonin levels rise when you are tired.

A sleep cycle is comprised of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

The deepest sleep during a sleep cycle is during REM sleep.

Studies have found different benefits—and detriments—to a nap's timing, duration and even effect on different people, depending on one's age and possibly genetics.

Napping is a complex endeavor.

For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.

For cognitive memory processing, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces.