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Everything you need to know about REM sleep: definition, function and meaning
Everything you need to know about REM sleep: definition, function and meaning REM sleep is a significant part of the sleep cycle and plays an important role in our health and well-being. In this article, we will define REM sleep in more detail, explain its function and importance, and answer frequently asked questions. What is REM sleep? REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is a phase of the sleep cycle in which we have particularly vivid dreams. The term “rapid eye movement” refers to the rapid, side-to-side movement of the eyes that occurs during this phase of sleep. REM sleep is also known as paradoxical sleep because...
Everything you need to know about REM sleep: definition, function and meaning
Everything you need to know about REM sleep: definition, function and meaning
REM sleep is a significant part of the sleep cycle and plays an important role in our health and well-being. In this article, we will define REM sleep in more detail, explain its function and importance, and answer frequently asked questions.
What is REM sleep?
REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, is a phase of the sleep cycle in which we have particularly vivid dreams. The term “rapid eye movement” refers to the rapid, side-to-side movement of the eyes that occurs during this phase of sleep. REM sleep is also known as paradoxical sleep because it has a number of physiological characteristics similar to those of the waking state.
How is REM sleep different from other sleep phases?
Sleep consists of different phases that differ in their brain activity, muscle tension and the type of dreams. REM sleep is one of the main phases of the sleep cycle and occurs at regular intervals. It usually follows the non-REM phases and repeats several times during a typical sleep period.
During REM sleep, our brain is extremely active, and even though our muscles are relaxed, involuntary muscle twitches may occur. In addition, our breathing is irregular and our heart rate and blood pressure can fluctuate. Most of the vivid dreams we can remember the next morning occur during REM sleep.
Why is REM sleep important?
REM sleep performs several crucial functions that have positive effects on our cognitive, emotional and physical health. Here are some important features of REM sleep:
- Traumverarbeitung: Der REM-Schlaf ermöglicht es uns, Erlebnisse und Informationen des Tages zu verarbeiten und in unserem Gedächtnis zu speichern. Träume spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Verarbeitung von Emotionen und der Konsolidierung von Lerninhalten.
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Brain activity: During REM sleep, our brain activity is very high and similar to that when we are awake. This intense state of neural activity is thought to contribute to cognitive development and brain rewiring.
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Rest and regeneration: REM sleep allows our bodies to physically recover and regenerate. During this sleep phase, repair processes are carried out in our tissues and organs, strengthening our immune system and replenishing our body energy.
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Emotional stability: REM sleep plays an important role in regulating our emotions. It helps us process traumatic events and release negative emotions so that we can feel refreshed and emotionally balanced the next day.
Frequently asked questions about REM sleep
Q1: How long does REM sleep last?
REM sleep typically lasts about 20-25% of the total sleep cycle, which can vary depending on age and individual sleep habits. So on a typical night of 8 hours of sleep, REM sleep time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Q2: Why do we remember dreams during REM sleep?
It is during REM sleep that we experience most of our most vivid dreams. This is because the brain is particularly active during this phase and shows intense patterns of activity. When we awake from REM sleep, these dream experiences are still fresh in our minds and are therefore easier to remember than dreams from other sleep stages.
Q3: What happens when REM sleep is disrupted?
Disrupting REM sleep can have negative effects on our health. For example, if we don't get enough REM sleep due to sleep disorders, stress, or certain medications, we can feel tired and unrefreshed during the day. In the long term, chronic REM sleep disorder may also be associated with an increased risk of certain mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Conclusion
REM sleep is an important phase of the sleep cycle with numerous functions that have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. During REM sleep, we have vivid dreams, process memories and emotions, regenerate physically, and support the functioning of our brain. It's important to get enough REM sleep to feel energized, emotionally balanced, and mentally sharp. If you have difficulty achieving REM sleep, you should seek professional help to treat possible sleep disorders and improve your sleep quality.