Adults only (18+)

What Does Core Sleep Mean?

Core sleep refers to the essential portion of your sleep cycle that provides the most restorative benefits to your body and mind. It includes the deeper stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and some rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Understanding core sleep helps explain why not all sleep is equal and why getting enough quality sleep is crucial for health.

The Structure of Sleep

Sleep is divided into cycles lasting about 90 to 110 minutes, each containing different stages. These stages include light sleep, deep sleep (also called slow-wave sleep), and REM sleep. Light sleep prepares the body to enter deeper stages, deep sleep is when the body repairs tissues and strengthens the immune system, and REM sleep supports memory, learning, and emotional regulation.

What Constitutes Core Sleep?

Core sleep mainly includes the deep sleep stages and the initial part of REM sleep, typically occurring in the first few sleep cycles of the night. This phase is crucial because it allows the body to carry out vital restorative processes such as muscle repair, tissue growth, and hormone release.

During core sleep, brain activity slows, breathing and heart rate become more regular, and the body is less responsive to external stimuli, making it the most restful and rejuvenating part of sleep.

Why Core Sleep is Important

Without adequate core sleep, you may wake feeling unrefreshed, experience impaired concentration, and have a weakened immune system. Core sleep supports physical recovery, memory consolidation, and emotional stability.

While total sleep duration matters, the quality and amount of core sleep determine how well you feel and function during the day.

How to Improve Core Sleep

Practising good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a dark and quiet sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals before bedtime, helps increase core sleep.

Regular exercise and managing stress also contribute to deeper, more restorative sleep stages.

Certain factors like aging, sleep disorders, or alcohol consumption can reduce core sleep, leading to poorer sleep quality.

In Summary

Core sleep is the vital part of your sleep that includes deep restorative stages and some REM sleep, essential for physical healing and cognitive function. Focusing on improving sleep quality to maximise core sleep can enhance overall health and daily performance.