The REM SLEEP

2. THE REM SLEEP

 

• This sleep type usually recurs about every 90 minutes and lasts 5 to 30 minutes.
• Other name: PARADOXICAL Sleep
• The EEG pattern resembles that of the “awake” state.
• This is not as restful as NREM sleep
• Most dreams take place during this period and the dreams are usually remembered or consolidated to memory
• The brain is highly active with metabolic rate increasing as much as 20%
• The sleeper may be very difficult to arouse
• There are rapid conjugate eye movements, muscle tone is depressed, but gastric secretions increase, HR and RR are increased and IRREGULAR
• This sleep period becomes longer as the night progresses.