Rapid eye movement

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is a crucial part of our sleep cycle, characterized by unique physiological states and significant for both learning and emotional processing. During REM sleep, eye movements are erratic, not just side to side, reflecting complex brain activity involving the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex. This phase is nearly devoid of serotonin and norepinephrine, neuromodulators linked to mood and alertness, which affects dreaming and emotional processing 1.

REM sleep serves as a form of natural trauma therapy by allowing us to process and diminish the emotional load from the previous day. This process involves dreaming, which, in REM sleep, tends to be more elaborate and emotionally charged compared to other sleep stages 2.

For improving REM sleep, adding 10 to 30 minutes to your sleep schedule can help, as can increasing morning adrenaline levels through activities like exercise or cold exposure. This spike in adrenaline during the day helps ensure better REM sleep at night 2.

Understanding REM's complexities helps appreciate how vital it is for cognitive and emotional health, emphasizing the significance of maintaining regular sleep patterns for optimal brain function.