This post is a follow-up to "Vitiligo: The Silent Struggle That Extends to Sleep", where we explored how sleep disturbances can be yet another hidden challenge for those with vitiligo. But beyond just being a side effect, poor sleep can actively influence the condition itself.

Good sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially when it comes to overall health and skin healing. During deep sleep, the body gets to work repairing cells, regulating stress hormones, and strengthening immune function. Without enough restorative sleep, stress levels spike, inflammation lingers, and the immune system struggles—all of which can contribute to the progression of vitiligo.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what happens in the brain and body during sleep, why it’s so essential, and what can go wrong when this delicate system is disrupted.

Brainwaves and the Language of Sleep

At all times—whether awake or asleep—the brain hums with electrical activity, producing oscillating patterns known as brainwaves. These waves reflect different states of consciousness. For instance, fast-paced beta waves dominate during alertness, while sleep is governed by slower theta and delta waves.

The Stages of Sleep

The body’s drive to sleep is regulated by the circadian rhythm, an internal clock controlled by the hypothalamus. Once asleep, we transition through distinct sleep stages, each marked by unique brainwave patterns and physiological shifts.

• Light Sleep (Stages 1-2): As the body relaxes, heart rate and breathing slow, and brainwaves shift from wakeful alpha waves to more relaxed theta waves. Stage 2 introduces sleep spindles—short bursts of brain activity that play a crucial role in memory consolidation and learning.
• Deep Sleep (Stage 3): Heart rate slows even further, and the brain produces slow, powerful delta waves. This stage, most prevalent in the first half of the night, delivers sleep’s most restorative benefits.
• REM Sleep: After deep sleep, the brain shifts into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, about 90 minutes after falling asleep. During this stage, brain activity spikes to near-waking levels, eyes dart rapidly behind closed lids, and major muscles temporarily shut down to keep us from acting out our dreams. After REM, the cycle resets, with adults typically completing four to five full cycles per night.

What Happens While We Sleep?

Sleep isn’t just about resting—it’s a critical time when the brain:
- Converts short-term memories into long-term storage
- Prepares neurons for learning the next day
- Repairs tissues and strengthens the immune system

Recent research has also uncovered a fascinating "cleaning system" at work during sleep. Cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain, flushing out toxic compounds that accumulate while we’re awake—essentially a nightly detox for the mind.

Sleep Disorders: When the System Breaks Down

Sleep disorders underscore just how vital a functioning sleep cycle is. Narcolepsy, for instance, occurs when the brain lacks hypocretin, a chemical responsible for maintaining wakefulness. People with narcolepsy experience sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes and may plunge directly into REM sleep without passing through earlier stages.

Other common disorders include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Sleep Apnea: Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep
• REM Behavior Disorder: Muscle paralysis fails during REM, causing people to physically act out their dreams

When sleep functions properly, it acts as a cornerstone of health. But when disrupted, it can have far-reaching consequences—both physically and mentally.

Suggested reading:

• Vitiligo: The Silent Struggle That Extends to Sleep
• Behavioral Epigenetics: How Social Experiences Influence Vitiligo
• Vitiligo’s White Armour: A Shield Against Mortality & Diseases?