The Importance of REM Sleep
May 19, 2023 8:00 amRapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is characterized by rapid movement of the eyes behind closed lids, vivid dreams, and brain wave activity similar to levels when you are awake.
During REM sleep, the brain is highly active as it performs memory consolidation and processes information, which aids in emotional regulation and problem solving. REM sleep helps prompt the development and maintenance of various connections in the brain to improve cognitive function and learning ability.
How REM Sleep Affects Your Health
This stage of sleep greatly affects your mental concentration, mood, and physical and mental health. For example, getting enough REM sleep is critical for processing the emotions and experiences of your daily life. Properly processing emotionally-charged memories as you sleep regulates your emotional arousal during your waking hours and reduces your stress, giving you a greater capacity for coping with negative emotions. This, in turn, improves your overall quality of life.
REM sleep also promotes your body’s physical recovery and healing. It strengthens your immune system by facilitating the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help fight inflammation and infection. It also encourages the growth of healthy new cells in the body.
Would You Like to Improve Your REM Sleep?
You may not be getting sufficient REM sleep if you frequently wake up tired, experience daytime sleepiness, have difficulty concentrating, and/or feel irritable during the day. Unless you have a newborn that is regularly waking you up at night, a sleep disorder or disordered breathing could be the underlying cause of your poor quality sleep.
Getting enough REM sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. If you suspect you have a sleep problem, please contact RespAir Sleep to schedule a consultation with our team! Our office is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Categorised in: Sleep FAQ
