Light sleep is a stage of sleep that occurs during the sleep cycle, typically following wakefulness and preceding deeper sleep stages. It is characterized by a relaxed state where the body begins to unwind, and brain activity slows down. During this phase, a person can be easily awakened and may experience brief moments of awareness. In light sleep, the body undergoes various restorative processes, such as muscle relaxation and a decrease in heart rate. This stage is essential for overall sleep quality, as it helps prepare the body for deeper sleep stages, which are crucial for physical and mental recovery.