Sleep is essential for optimal health and wellness. Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity when it comes to feeling restored and recharged. While all stages of sleep are important, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is essential for achieving restful sleep.
REM sleep is a stage of sleep when your eyes move rapidly in different directions and dreams occur. This usually occurs during the last two hours of a good night’s sleep. People who experience fewer hours or episodes of REM sleep tend to have a lower quality of sleep and feel more tired and less alert during the day.
In order to get the best quality of sleep, it’s important to understand the role of REM sleep and how to increase the chance of getting quality REM sleep.
What Happens During REM Sleep?
During REM sleep, your brain is more active than during any other sleep cycle, and your body is usually in a state of paralysis. Brain waves during REM sleep look similar to those experienced during a wakeful state.
During REM sleep, your body repairs and regenerates itself. Your memory is formed and consolidated, and new neurons form connections in the brain. Any toxins in your body are filtered and released during this time as well. All of these factors are important for achieving a high quality of sleep.
Tips for Improving REM Sleep Quality
Prioritizing sleep by aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep per night is the most important step for achieving healthy and restful sleep. Make sure to stick to a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible and avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
Creating a calming and comfortable sleeping environment is also crucial. Adding blackout curtains or shades to block out lights and ensuring the temperature is comfortable are both great ways to make sure your bedroom environment is conducive to sleep.
Finally, avoid electronics and screens before bed, since they can interfere with the production of the hormones needed to prepare for sleep. Taking a warm bath, doing yoga, stretching, or reading a book can help to relax the body and promote more restful nights of sleep.
Things to Avoid
- Eating too late
- Drinking alcohol before bed
- Using electronics before bed
- Caffeine late in the day
- Not sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
Conclusion
Getting high quality REM sleep is essential for achieving restful and restorative sleep each night. Prioritizing sleep quality, creating a calming sleeping environment, and avoiding certain behaviors can help one get higher levels of REM sleep.