There are four stages of sleep: REM, N1, N2, and N3. REM is the final stage of sleep and is considered the most beneficial. It’s during this stage that our bodies rejuvenate and our brains process information from the day. NREM sleep is less restful than REM sleep and occurs in several stages. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between REM and NREM sleep.
What is REM?
REM sleep is a type of sleep that occurs in cycles throughout the night. It is characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and increased heart rate. REM sleep is important for memory, mood, and learning. It is also associated with dream activity. REM sleep typically makes up 20-25% of total sleep time.
What is NREM?
NREM, or non-rapid eye movement, is a type of sleep that accounts for about 75% of all sleep. NREM is characterized by slow, regular breathing and heart rate, and minimal muscle activity. It is divided into three stages: N1, N2, and N3. N1 is the lightest stage of NREM sleep, and N3 is the deepest. Most people spend the majority of their sleep time in N2 and N3. During NREM sleep, the brain waves are slower than during wakefulness or REM sleep. NREM sleep helps to rejuvenate the body and mind, and it is essential for good health. Numerous studies have shown that people who get enough NREM sleep are less likely to suffer from problems like obesity, heart disease, and depression.
Difference between REM and NREM
REM and NREM are the two main types of sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement and is associated with dreaming. NREM stands for non-rapid eye movement and is deep, restful sleep. REM sleep is lighter and more easily interrupted than NREM sleep, but it is important for learning and memory. NREM sleep, on the other hand, is essential for physical restoration and tissue repair. Most people cycle through REM and NREM sleep several times throughout the night. REM sleep typically makes up 20-25% of total sleep time, while NREM makes up the remaining 75-80%.
Conclusion
REM and NREM are two different types of sleep that our brains go through during the night. Each type of sleep has its own benefits for our mental and physical health. Understanding the difference between REM and NREM can help you better understand why you feel so tired after a poor night’s sleep or why you feel more refreshed after a good one.
