Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is also called dream sleep.
However, not everyone spends enough time in this sleep phase.
Though it is sometimes confused with thedeep sleep phase, it is the phase that comes after deep sleep.
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Whats Happening Physically
REM sleep is dream sleep.
Though the body typically does not move while dreaming, there may be muscle twitches.
Breathing can fluctuate, and heart rates can increase.
This phase can also physically affect waking time because it plays a role in motor skill learning.
Benefits
Dream sleepserves multiple crucial roles.
For example, it helps withemotional regulation.
More dreams occur during this stage, and the brain is more active.
It is more similar to being awake than stage 2 sleep and stage 3 sleep.
Dreams are more likely to be remembered when waking up during REM sleep.
REM Sleep Dysfunction and Abnormalities
Sleep disordersmay affect REM sleep.
REM Sleep Disorder
REM sleep behavior disorderinvolvesacting out dreams, talking, ormovingduring dream sleep.
This increases the risk of injury.
Additionally, waking up in a location other than a bed after acting out a dream can be alarming.
Though this condition can happen in children, it is more common among older adults.
For example, it can affect learning, emotions, memory, energy, and more.
The first step is to identify any possible causes of too little REM sleep.
It is also important to treat all underlying medical conditions, such asanxietyandinsomnia.
Though it is often confused with the deep sleep phase, it is actually the dream sleep phase.
This is an essential phase of the sleep cycle.
It is important for emotional processing, memory, and more.
Too little REM sleep can lead to mental and physical health concerns.
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