Rapid eye movement sleep
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep
Rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep, REM-S) is a unique phase of sleep in mammals and birds, distinguishable by random/rapid movement of the eyes, accompanied with low muscle tone throughout the body, and the propensity of the sleeper to dream vividly.
Pronunciation: /ˈrapɪd aɪ mʊːvmənt sliːp/
Etymology
The term "Rapid Eye Movement" comes from the rapid and random eye movements that are characteristic of this phase of sleep. It was first described and named by Eugene Aserinsky and Nathaniel Kleitman in 1953.
Related Terms
- Non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM)
- Sleep cycle
- Dream
- Sleep paralysis
- Sleep disorder
- Polysomnography
Description
REM sleep is classified into two categories: tonic and phasic. It is the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs most frequently, and its observed features are rapid, low-voltage brain waves on the electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, irregular breathing and heart rate and involuntary muscle jerks.
Physiology
During REM sleep, high levels of acetylcholine in the brain keep the brainstem – and thus the rest of the brain – alert and awake, while the release of certain neurotransmitters shuts off the brain's ability to move the voluntary muscles, with the exception of the muscles that control the eyes and the muscles involved in respiration.
Function
The function of REM sleep is not fully understood; however, several theories suggest that this stage of sleep serves to refresh the mind by supporting creative thinking and problem-solving strategies.
Disorders
Disorders associated with REM sleep include REM sleep behavior disorder, Narcolepsy, and Sleep apnea. These disorders can lead to a disruption in sleep, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and other symptoms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rapid eye movement sleep
- Wikipedia's article - Rapid eye movement sleep
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