Question

What is true about people during REM sleep

Answer 1

During sleep, the brain moves through five different stages; one of these stages is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During this phase, the eyes move rapidly in various directions. The other four phases are referred to as non-REM (NREM) sleep.

People enter REM sleep within the first 90 minutesof falling asleep and, as the sleep cycle repeats throughout the night, REM sleep occurs several times nightly. It accounts for approximately 20-25 percent of an adult's sleep cycle, and over 50 percent of an infant's. 

Most dreams occur during REM sleep, and it is thought to play a role in learning, memory, and mood.


Fast facts on REM sleep

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During REM sleep, our brain is almost as active as it is when we are awake.

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In this phase of sleep, breathing can become fast and irregular.

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REM sleep is thought to help consolidate memories.

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Drinking alcohol before bed reduces the amount of REM sleep we have.

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People with REM sleep behavior disorder act out their dreams.

What is REM sleep?

The first phase of REM sleep lasts around 10 minutes.

The sleep cycle begins with non-REM sleep, before moving into the REM sleep stage.

The first phase of REM usually lasts for 10 minutes, with each phase getting progressively longer.

The final phase of REM sleep may last for up to an hour.

During REM sleep, the body and brain go through several changes, including:

Rapid movement of the eyes.

Fast and irregular breathing. 

Increased heart rate (to near waking levels).

Changes in body temperature.

Increased blood pressure.

Brain activity similar to that seen while awake.

Increased oxygen consumption by the brain.

Sexual arousal in both men and women.

Twitching of the face and limbs.

In most people, a state of temporary paralysis is experienced as the brain signals the spinal cord to cease movement of the arms and legs. This lack of muscle activity is known as atonia, and it may be a protective mechanism to prevent injury that might be caused by acting out our dreams.

REM sleep is often associated with very vivid dreams due to the increase in brain activity. Because the muscles are immobilized yet the brain is very active, this stage of sleep is sometimes called paradoxical sleep.