NIAGARA, Wis. — We spend more than a third of our lives unconscious, sleeping to prepare our minds and bodies for the day ahead. Although this activity takes up a rather large portion of daily life, scientists continue to discover bits of knowledge about our sleep-wake cycle, to develop a greater understanding of dreams, and to realize more completely the devastating effects of sleep deprivation and disorders.

When I was still working in public relations at our local hospital, I did a lot of promotion of the Sleep Disorders Center. Consequently, I was able to recognize when I should get a sleep test. I spent one night in the Sleep Center hooked up to all kinds of monitors that told my physician what she needed to know: specifically, how often I awoke during the night and how much oxygen I was lacking during my sleep. I have used a sleep machine ever since, and I sleep like a baby. I also have a lot more energy in the course of the day.

Lack of healthy sleep affects every facet of your life so it is very important you consult your physician if you suspect you are not getting enough rest. These five facts delve into the science of sleep.

12% of people dream in black and white

Dreams are an important function of the human mind. What seems like a series of random thoughts and events is actually the brain trying to make sense of the day, remembering things that are important, forgetting things that aren’t, and overall preparing our minds for the following day. While most of us dream in full color, about 12% of the population often experiences dreams in only black and white. Researchers found it interesting to note that people younger than age of 25 almost never dreamed in black and white, while members of the boomer generation and older had dreams without color about 25% of the time. Although it is difficult to prove definitively that television accounts for this, the number of people who reportedly dream in grayscale has slowly decreased with each passing decade.

Poor sleep reduces a human’s pain threshold

We all know how it feels to get a poor night’s sleep. We experience such side effects as sluggishness, irritability, and poor concentration. If sleepless nights continue over the long term, things get even more dire. Poor sleep can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and an overall weaker immune system.

Additionally, sleep also impacts how much pain a human can withstand. In 2015, a National Sleep Foundation poll discovered that two out of every three people experiencing chronic pain also suffered from sleep deprivation. These statistics inspired scientists from University of California-Berkeley to figure out how exactly sleep is entwined with pain tolerance. After studying two dozen healthy young adults, the researchers realized the neural mechanisms that evaluate pain signals and activate appropriate relief measures are disrupted when someone doesn’t get enough sleep. All the more reason to get a good night’s rest.

Not every person needs the same amount of sleep

Some people seem to be able to live life just fine on only five hours of sleep while others can’t even think straight on anything less than nine hours. The reason for this phenomenon is that the common recommendation of getting eight total hours of sleep is really an average — not a rule. Although a common indicator for how much sleep is needed is often based on age; we know, for example, that children need more sleep than adults because they’re still growing, and differences also occur from person to person. Scientists have identified a significant number of humans who require fewer than six hours to feel well rested; this segment of the population actually has a mutated gene responsible for coding certain receptors that affect the sleep-wake cycle. These people experience higher-quality sleep that takes up less time than the average human needs.

Your muscles are paralyzed during REM sleep

Dreaming takes place during a process known as REM — rapid eye movement — sleep. The name comes from the physical movement of our eyes while experiencing dreams. We experience four to six instances of REM sleep per night, during which time brain activity changes and causes paralysis in our muscles. This is a normal effect of REM sleep and is known as muscle atonia. And it’s designed to keep humans from injuring themselves in their sleep. However, sometimes a person’s muscles still retain function during REM sleep and can cause a person to act out their dreams. This is known as REM sleep behavior disorder, and can be a real danger to the dreamer. In some cases, the dreamer’s partner is also at risk.

The reverse is also possible, as sleep paralysis occurs when someone wakes from REM sleep only to discover that they can’t move their body or speak. Both of these sleep disorders are types of parasomnias.

Extreme sleep deprivation can lead to psychosis

While being a poor sleeper can have serious side effects, getting no sleep at all can actually become deadly. Throughout the day, our bodies burn energy and create a byproduct in the brain known as adenosine. The buildup of this substance is what causes us to feel sleepy. While we sleep, a waste clearance system known as the “glymphatic system” essentially removes this buildup of adenosine while using cerebrospinal fluid to remove toxic byproducts throughout the central nervous system. After sleeping the healthy eight hours, the brain is refreshed and ready for the day ahead. However, if someone puts off going to sleep for a long period of time, adenosine builds up in the brain and eventually disrupts our visual processing system, which in turn triggers hallucinations and, in rare cases, even death.

So, while spending one-third of our lives in bed may seem like a waste of time, sleeping may be the most important thing we do every day. It is, in fact, one of the most important healthy choices we can make.

Source: Science & Technology

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Communion, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Church, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; reminisce, 11:30 a.m.; arts/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; karaoke, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; after noon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; picnic at Gibson, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; garden club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; music with Larry, 1:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right,” spelling bball, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie and manicures, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; resident council meeting, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bean bag toss on the patio, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National German Chocolate Cake Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Peanut Butter Cookie Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flippo, 2 p.m.; popcorn.

Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie and manicures, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 p.m.; entertainment by Jan and Geno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; making pizzas, 10 a.m.; Bible stories with Pastor Ed, 1 p.m.; 106th birthday party for Pat Dixon, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; lemonade social, 5:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass/anointing, 9:30 a.m.; Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; garden planting, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Baking peanut butter blossoms, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Immaculate Heart of Mary; Saint Anthony of Padua; coffee and snacks, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — popsicles, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who, what, where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council, 10:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; baseball, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club, daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kickball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Chicken burrito, refried beans, fruit.

Wednesday: Hot hamburger, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli salad.

Thursday: Bratwurst, potato salad, sweet corn.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken club sandwich, cole slaw, baked french fries.

Tuesday: Brats, potato wedges, corn, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Wet burrito, refried beans with cheese, Mexican rice, rice pudding.

Thursday: Evening meal — salad bar at 3:30 p.m.; meal at 4 p.m. of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pizza.

Tuesday: Philly steaks, American fries.

Wednesday: Barbecue ribs, sauerkraut, baked potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian-style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, peas, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or a substitute, baked potato, carrots, biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Mexican lasagna, refried beans, fiesta corn.

Friday: Ham and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, yogurt, string cheese.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week —

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Sloppy Joes, potato salad, baked beans.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice.

Wednesday: Baked pork chops with mushroom gravy over noodles.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fruit.

Tuesday: Bacon cheeseburger tater tot bake, green vegetable, red vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, spinach orange salad, garlic bread, fruited Jell-O.

Thursday: Meatloaf, sweet potato casserole, broccoli, fruit, strawberry rhubarb pie.

Friday: Spanish rice, peas, side salad, fruit.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Sloppy Joes, whole wheat hamburger bun, root vegetable blend, acorn, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Diced pork with gravy, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, Oriental cole slaw, warm fruit compote.

Wednesday: Meatloaf with ketchup glaze, smashed red potatoes, vegetable, diced pears, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Albacore tuna salad, cucumber and tomato salad, cottage cheese with peaches, zee zee wheat crackers, whole wheat bread, tomato juice.

Milk is available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

These are home-delivered meals. Menu for the week –

Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian-style vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, peas, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), baked potato, carrots, biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Mexican lasagna, refried beans, fiesta corn.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo played on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Early serving day – Breakfast casserole, hashbrowns, muffin, whole banana.

Wednesday: Chili dog on a wheat bun, potato salad, cole slaw, pears, cookie.

Thursday: Pork roast, sweet potatoes, green beans, Mandarin oranges, wheat bread.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Finnish pancakes, sausage links, hashbrown patty.

Tuesday: Chicken and noodles, biscuit, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn

Thursday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, biscuit, carrots

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome, at any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef tips and gravy over egg noodles.

Wednesday: Pork chops, sweet potato casserole.

Thursday: Taco bar.