There is mounting evidence that REM sleep plays a critical role in the consolidation of memories. It also aids in the formation and maintenance of neural connections, which improves one’s ability to learn in the future. Napping and entering the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep has been demonstrated in several studies to improve working memory. In a similar vein, REM sleep (sometimes known as “dream sleep”) almost likely contributes to brain growth, and REM-related muscle spasms may aid in the development of motor abilities. Evidence that REM sleep is important for brain development comes from the fact that newborn neonates spend almost half their sleep time in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage.

How It Works?

While dreaming occurs in both REM and NREM sleep, dreams that occur in REM sleep tend to be more vivid and fantastical, while dreams that occur in NREM sleep tend to be more grounded in reality. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep has been shown to help people recover from traumatic situations, and obtaining more of it in the days after an incident may reduce the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a number of studies (PTSD). So how to increase rem sleep?

How Many Should You Get Every Night?

The average adult need seven or more hours of sleep every night. Twenty-five to thirty percent of your nightly sleep should be spent in REM sleep.

The MSD Handbooks

In 1899, the first version of the Manual was published as a handy resource for doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most comprehensive medical resources utilised by both doctors and regular people.

Specialists usually prescribe a total amount of sleep time rather than a specific quantity of REM sleep since the body may self-regulate to maintain a balanced degree of sleep phases. Individuals who have gone without sleep for 12-24 hours will have a REM rebound effect the next time they go to bed.

How Could Different Factors Affect Our Rapid Eye Movement Phase?

The timing and duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are regulated by a number of interrelated systems. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates processes including the sleep-wake cycle and core body temperature. REM sleep time is mostly determined by the body’s natural 24-hour clock. The circadian rhythm is responsible for triggering rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at certain times throughout a normal night’s sleep.

Conclusion

The overall quantity of REM sleep is homeostasis-regulated, meaning that the body aims for a certain amount of REM sleep and adjusts by either spending more or less time in REM sleep as needed. The body maintains homeostasis by trying to get to a certain deep sleep threshold.