sleep, which occurs about 90 minutes after your head hits the pillow, your body is completely relaxed, and you begin to dream. THE TYPE OF SLEEP YOU GET MATTERS! Throughout the night, you will progress through these stages of sleep multiple times, but usually not in a perfect sequence. You will likely be in each stage of sleep about 4–5 times per night, and one cycle typically lasts about 90–110 minutes. Too much or too little REM or non-REM sleep can affect the quality of your sleep and how refreshed you feel. Quality sleep is important to make sure you are recharging your body, strengthening your mind and immune system, and prioritizing your health. If you never achieve deep sleep throughout the night, sleep deprivation sets in, and you won’t get the proper rest you need to recover. By setting a sleep schedule, you can make sure you are hitting the hay each night at a reasonable hour and allowing yourself to properly cycle through the different stages of sleep. Be sure to clear your mind before tucking yourself into bed and make sure your bed is comfortable to promote the best possible sleep — your body counts on it! How to Wake Up Refreshed
Are you getting enough shut-eye but still feeling groggy when you wake up? The type of sleep you get matters, and a sleep schedule can help ensure you’re cycling through all the stages of sleep your body needs. Sleep is broken up into four different stages. During the first stage, which only lasts about 5–10 minutes, your body is softly drifting off, and as your brain slows down, your breathing and heartbeat slow as well. When you transition to the second stage, you become less aware of your surroundings, your eye movements cease, and your body temperature drops. Moving into the third stage, your body will drift into a deep sleep, where you will not be awakened by small noises and your muscles are completely relaxed. In the fourth stage, your body is in a deep, restful state. In stages three and four, you’re getting REM sleep, which is when your body is in its deepest sleep, and your breathing, heart rate, and temperature all reach the lowest level. In these stages, your body is able to fight sickness, begin repairing itself, and commit information to memory. During REM
Stay Festive at These Local Events The holidays are here, and there are many festive activities to keep you in the spirit all season long. Be sure to add these three local ones to your calendar!
WRAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS When: Through Dec. 24 Where: Dorothea Dix Park Admission: Cost is per vehicle and varies by time and date. Website: WRAL.com Enjoy a gorgeous light display without ever leaving the comfort and heat of your car! WRAL is once again hosting its Nights of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show at Dorothea Dix Park. This year, the show features more lights, more art, and extended days! There’s no better way to enjoy a fantastic light show than with a cup of hot cocoa from home and surrounded by your loved ones. You can even help the community by bringing canned goods to the lights on Dec. 13! Those who bring at least five items will receive a $20 Food Lion gift card! Learn more and buy tickets online.
14TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE AND WREATH AUCTION & EXHIBIT When: Dec. 3–20 Where: The Halle Cultural Arts Center Admission: Free Website: TheHalle.org See festive decor and get inspiration for your own decorations at The Halle’s 14th Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction & Exhibit. This gallery takes you on a tour of holiday creativity with various themed trees and wreaths depicting various organizations in the region. You can even bid on your favorite display and take it home with you! Proceeds from the auction will benefit Western Wake Crisis Ministry, which provides food and utility assistance. Learn more about the exhibit online.
DURHAM HOLIDAY PARADE When: Saturday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. Where: Downtown Durham, North Carolina Website: DPRPlayMore.org
Celebrate the holidays with lots of fanfare at the annual Durham
Holiday Parade. The event will feature performances from local bands and drill teams as well as floats from local groups. Rumor has it Santa Claus will even make a special appearance! Your kids and grandkids will love this local parade, and nothing can put you in the holiday spirit quite like a stop at the Durham Holiday Parade. Learn more online!
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