Rapid Eye Movement
REM or rapid eye movement occurs in stages 3 and 4 of our sleep cycle. This is where are deep sleep occurs. For the best response it is best our children wake us when we are in between REM cycles!
The first stage is a light sleep and we wake easily during this time. Within 10 minutes of light sleep we enter true sleep, which lasts for about 20 minutes. Our breathing pattern and heart rate slow down in this stage. This period accounts for the largest part of human sleep. This explains why power naps are beneficial. Stages three and four are when we enter deep sleep.
During stage three the brain begins to produce high amplitude waves and our breathing and heart rate are at their lowest levels. Stage four is characterised by rhythmic breathing and limited muscle activity. If we are awakened during deep sleep we do not adjust immediately and often feel disoriented for several minutes. Some children experience bed-wetting, night terrors, or sleepwalking during this stage. Adults might feel a slight rage if woken!
The REM period usually begins about 70 to 90 minutes after we fall asleep. Most people have around three to five REM episodes a night. We are not conscious, but the brain is very active – often more so than when we are awake! In this REM period dreams most likely occur, while our eyes dart around and our breathing rate and blood pressure rise. Interestingly our bodies are effectively paralysed. Some say this is nature’s way of preventing us from acting out our dreams!! If we acted out our dreams I guess life would even be more complicated than it is!!!
The REM period is probably also the time to make a lot of noise if you are going to! I am sometimes astonished at the noises I don’t hear and it is weird waking and people telling you about gas explosions which seemed like earthquakes! Sometimes also a scary feeling that we are so unconscious!
Reminded me a little of the recent Cadburys ad with the dancing eyebrows:
Mari says
This is very interesting! These sleep stages can explain the sounds, movements, reactions, things that happen when we are asleep! But think of it Shaz, I think it would be really cool if we could interfere in dreams. Indeed, dreams intrigue me, are very mysterious, are not they?