A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreaming, and muscle paralysis, critical for memory consolidation and emotional processing.
FULL EXPLANATION
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is one of the four sleep stages, characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and temporary muscle paralysis. The brain is highly active during REM sleep, with patterns similar to waking.
REM sleep typically occurs in cycles throughout the night, with longer REM periods occurring in the second half of sleep. Adults spend about 20-25% of total sleep time in REM. This stage is essential for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and creative problem-solving.
WHY IT MATTERS
Adequate REM sleep is crucial for learning, memory formation, and emotional health. REM deprivation is linked to cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and reduced immune function.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Improve REM sleep by maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding alcohol before bed (which suppresses REM), managing stress, and getting sufficient total sleep time.
NORMAL RANGES
Adults typically get 1.5-2 hours of REM sleep per night (20-25% of total sleep). REM needs vary by age, with infants spending up to 50% of sleep in REM.
RELATED TERMS
Sleep Efficiency
The percentage of time spent actually sleeping versus total time in bed, a key indicator of sleep quality.
Circadian Rhythm
The roughly 24-hour internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and other physiological processes.
Deep Sleep
The most restorative sleep stage characterized by slow brain waves, essential for physical recovery, immune function, and growth hormone release.
Sleep Quality
A measure of how well sleep restores and recovers the body, beyond simple sleep duration.
BDNF
A protein that supports brain cell growth, survival, and plasticity, crucial for learning, memory, and mental health.
More in Sleep Science
View all →Sleep Latency
Well-EstablishedThe time it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep after getting into bed with the intention to sleep.
Sleep Efficiency
Well-EstablishedThe percentage of time spent actually sleeping versus total time in bed, a key indicator of sleep quality.
Circadian Rhythm
Well-EstablishedThe roughly 24-hour internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and other physiological processes.