Rapid Eye Movement
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is a unique phase of sleep in mammals and birds, characterized by random movement of the eyes, low muscle tone throughout the body, and the propensity of the sleeper to dream vividly.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈræpɪd aɪ mʊvmənt/
Etymology
The term "Rapid Eye Movement" was coined by William Dement and Nathaniel Kleitman in their 1957 research at the University of Chicago. The term is derived from the rapid and random eye movements that occur during this phase of sleep.
Related Terms
Description
During Rapid Eye Movement sleep, the brain's electrical activity is similar to that seen in waking stages. This stage is associated with vivid, narrative-based dreaming. It is also associated with memory consolidation and learning.
The Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep is characterized by a number of other features including rapid, low-voltage brain waves detectable on the electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, along with Ponto-geniculo-occipital waves (PGO waves), and significantly decreased muscle tone.
See Also
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