29 Oct What Happens During REM Sleep?

Many things occur in our brain even when we sleep. 

Sleep has different stages, with the brain having predictable patterns. These stages fall into two categories, which are non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM sleep) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep).  

NREM sleep has 3 stages while REM sleep has 2 phases. The stage of sleep that plays a major role in brain health and cognitive functions is REM sleep.   

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What is REM Sleep?  

Most dreams occur during REM sleep. Brain activity, blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate were also observed to increase during this stage.   

However, iCare sleep expert Dr. Sheau Hwa Wong noted that recent studies have found that even in NREM sleep dreams occur. The difference is that the body becomes paralyzed in REM sleep, which prevents you from moving while you are dreaming and refraining from harming yourself.  

Dr. Wong added that there is a very important process in the brain during REM sleep that helps the mind to consolidate and integrate the memories that have happened the day before.  

It then leads to better emotional and cognitive outcomes.  

Other benefits of REM sleep include:  

• Improved learning  

• Mood regulation  

• Brain development  
• Possible protection from dementia  

REM sleep makes up 25% of your sleep, with the first REM sleep cycle being the shortest. It is then followed by a longer cycle, which can last up to an hour.  

Get Quality Sleep  

Get quality sleep by making your environment a good place for sleep. Set the temperature to an ideal level while also minimizing any exposure to lights.  

If you are having a hard time falling asleep, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor to know if there are underlying health conditions that are hindering you from getting quality sleep.   

Explore more of your sleep with iCare’s Sleep Better available through our mobile app. iCare members can download the iCare mobile on Apple Store and Google Play Store. 

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