What Is REM Sleep?
Article Sources
- 1. 'Sleep Basics: REM & NREM, Sleep Stages, Good Sleep Habits & More.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12148-sleep-basics.
- 2. Eagleman, David, et al. 'Why Do We Dream? A New Theory on How It Protects Our Brains.' Time, time.com/5925206/why-do-we-dream.
- 3. 'Dreaming Also Occurs during Non Rapid Eye Movement Sleep.' ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160809121817.htm.
- 4. 'Stages of Sleep.' Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/stages-of-sleep.
- 5. 'Dreams: FAQ.' Dreamresearch.net, University of California, Santa Cruz, dreams.ucsc.edu/FAQ.
- 6. ASA Authors & Reviewers Sleep Physician at American Sleep Association Reviewers and Writers Board-certified sleep M.D. physicians. 'REM Sleep: Why Is It Important?' American Sleep Association, www.sleepassociation.org/about-sleep/stages-of-sleep/rem-sleep.
- 7. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Repaying Your Sleep Debt.' Harvard Health, Harvard University, July 2007, www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/Repaying-your-sleep-debt.shtml.
- 8. 'Nightmares: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment.' Sleep Foundation, 9 Oct. 2020, www.sleepfoundation.org/nightmares.
4. Dreams During REM
Dreams during REM are usually experienced more intensely than the dreams that occur during non-REM stages, which makes them more vivid and easier to remember. While it was previously believed that dreams were only experienced during the REM stage, studies have shown that dreams can also happen during non-REM stages.3‘Dreaming Also Occurs during Non Rapid Eye Movement Sleep.’ ScienceDaily, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160809121817.htm.
It's estimated that the average person experiences several dreams per night, contrary to the popular belief that many more dreams occur. Dreams can last from about 5 minutes to about 50 minutes.5‘Dreams: FAQ.’ Dreamresearch.net, University of California, Santa Cruz, dreams.ucsc.edu/FAQ.
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