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You’ve probably heard of the phrase REM (rapid eye movement.)
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What is REM sleep?
Added to that, our breathing, blood pressure and heart rate increase, according toHarvard Health.
When does REM sleep occur?
But when exactly are we in this sleep stage?
“The first periods of REM sleep are shorter, but they lengthen as the night progresses.
Most of our REM sleep occurs during the second half of the night,” Taylor adds.
What does REM sleep do?
Plus,researchhas shown that the amygdala is particularly active during REM sleep.
There isresearchthat says REM sleep plays an important part in processing and consolidating emotional memory.
Aids brain development
Manystudies have indicatedthat REM sleep is important in the development of the brain.
One reasons that scientists believe this is the fact thatbabies spend much longer in REM sleepthan adults do.
Even as we get older, REM sleep remains important.
It supports neuroplasticity the brains ability to adapt, reorganise, and keep learning throughout life.
“Even as we get older, REM sleep remains important.
It supports neuroplasticity the brains ability to adapt, reorganise, and keep learning throughout life.”
“When REM sleep was disrupted, people performed worse on tasks requiring coordination and practice.”
Cytokines are “signaling proteins that help control inflammation in your body,” according to theCleveland Clinic.
“Cytokines and immune system cells are primarily produced during deep sleep,” he adds.
“Deepsleep builds your immune system, and REM sleep regulates and fine-tunes it,” says Darwall-Smith agrees.
How much REM sleep do we need?
However, the amount of REM sleep we need and get does depend on age.
Darwall-Smith outlines how this changes through our lifetimes:
Newborns: 50% of total sleep is REM.
Children and adolescents:20-25% of total sleep (around 2 hours per night).
Adults: 20-25% of total sleep.
Older adults:Slightly less REM sleep, but still around 20%.
What happens if you dont get enough REM sleep?
But if you lack in REM sleep in particular, there can be specific consequences to your wellbeing.
Ever noticed how everything feels harder to process after a bad nights sleep?
Ever noticed how everything feels harder to process after a bad nights sleep?
Thats your brain struggling without enough REM."
How to get more REM sleep
It’s not possible (yet!)
Having a few drinks with dinner or while out in the evening is typical of many.
Caffeine also has a disruptive effect on our sleep, particularly if consumed close to bedtime.
Tom’s Guide created this content as part of a paid partnership with Helix Sleep.
The contents of this article are independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Tom’s Guide.
