For a long time, sleep was thought to be nothing more than a passive state of rest. That changed in 1953 when scientists discovered REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—revealing that sleep is actually a dynamic and complex process. Since then, sleep research has advanced significantly, and experts now understand that REM sleep plays a vital role in brain function, especially in memory, learning, and emotional processing.
In this article, we’ll explore why REM sleep matters and share practical tips to help you get more of it.
Why Is REM Sleep So Important?
REM sleep is one of four main stages of sleep, and it’s the one most closely tied to dreaming. Unlike non-REM (NREM) stages, where the body is in a deeper, quieter rest, REM sleep is marked by quick eye movements, heightened brain activity (similar to when you’re awake), and vivid dreams.
During REM sleep:
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The brain is active and busy forming memories and processing emotions.
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Most muscles are temporarily paralyzed, a built-in safety feature to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams.
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We typically cycle through four to six REM stages per night, with each one getting longer as the night progresses.
If you’re not getting enough REM sleep, you may notice problems with focus, memory, mood, and even immune function.
