You've probably heard of self proclaimed "light sleepers" being awoken by the faintest noise, while other people could sleep through a screaming baby using a jackhammer. But everyone experiences both light and deep sleep. So what exactly is the difference? Light Sleep Light sleep is a non-REM stage, and it's easiest to wake up during this stage. It occurs in stages 1-2. The first stage of light sleep is a transition phase and only makes up about 3% of our total time asleep; most light sleep happens in the second stage. The second stage of light sleep consists of over half of our time asleep each night. We dream during this stage, but the dreams are not as intense as they are during REM sleep. Typically as people age, they spend more time each night in light sleep. There's no specific amount of time needed in this phase since it's not as refreshing as deep sleep. However, it is a necessary sleep stage for proper brain functioning. Deep Sleep Psychology Today defines deep sleep as "... a time of nearly complete disengagement from the environment." Deep sleep is also known as delta sleep, slow wave sleep or N3. It is a restorative sleep state where dreams do not occur, and still relatively little is known about it.

What we do know is that deep sleep is the third stage of sleep. During this stage, heart rate and breathing slows and your muscles relax to the point where you barely move. Deep sleep is necessary for your body to repair itself and recharge for the next day. Your organs detoxicate, your kidneys clean your blood, and your body replaces cells, heals wounds, and builds muscle tissues as well. Most deep sleep happens in the first sleep cycle. If someone is awoken during deep sleep, he or she will usually feel disoriented for sometime after waking up. It can be very difficult to wake a person during deep sleep. According to New Health Advisor, adults 18 and older need anywhere from 1.5-1.8 hours of deep sleep per night, which is about 20% of your overall sleep. Some people, however, may find they need more in order to feel fully rested. There's no such thing as too much deep sleep. The Eight Smart Alarm uses sensors in the Sleep Tracker that can detect when your body is in light sleep. The Smart Alarm will wake you up within a half hour of your alarm during your lightest sleep so you wake feeling refreshed. For better rest, try ry the smart bed that's smarter.