REM sleep or Rapid Eye Movement sleep, is one of the five stages of sleep characterised by rapid eye movements, vivid dreaming, and heightened brain activity.
It typically occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep and recurs multiple times throughout the night, with each period of REM sleep getting longer as the night progresses.
Overall, REM sleep is essential for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall health. It plays a critical role in learning, memory, and emotional processing, making it a vital component of a healthy sleep cycle.
Characteristics of REM sleep
Rapid eye movements – during REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly under the eyelids, which is where the stage gets its name. This eye movement is associated with dreaming and increased brain activity
Brain activity – the brain is highly active during REM sleep, with activity levels similar to when you’re awake. This stage is crucial for cognitive functions such as learning, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation
Muscle atonia – the body experiences temporary muscle paralysis (atonÃa) during REM sleep, which prevents the acting out of dreams. This protective mechanism ensures that dreams do not lead to physical movements that could potentially harm the sleeper
Dreaming – most vivid and complex dreams occur during REM sleep. This stage is thought to play a role in processing emotions, integrating memories, and problem-solving
Why REM sleep occurs
Memory consolidation – REM sleep is crucial for processing and consolidating memories. It helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory and integrates new experiences with existing knowledge
Emotional regulation – it’s important for emotional health. It allows the brain to process emotions and experiences, which can help reduce stress and improve mood
Cognitive function – REM sleep supports cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and creativity. The brain’s heightened activity during this stage contributes to improved problem-solving abilities and creative thinking
Brain restoration – REM sleep contributes to the overall restoration of the brain. It helps maintain neural connections and supports the health of the central nervous system
Creativity and problem-solving – the dreaming that occurs during REM sleep can lead to insights and creative solutions. The brain’s free-flowing nature during this stage allows for novel connections and ideas to form
Last reviewed and updated: 29 July 2024
