Did you know that the average person spends about six years of their life dreaming? Dreams have intrigued scientists for decades because they can offer an in-depth understanding of the brain and human consciousness. Also, they combine neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy granting access to the answers of some of the most fundamental questions related to behaviour and cognition.
Sleep Cycle & its Stages
Over the course of the night, your sleep is made up of several rounds of the sleep cycle, which is composed of 4 stages. In one night, a person goes through 4-6 sleep cycles (Suni and Singh). On average, each cycle lasts for 90 minutes. The length of each sleep cycle changes as the night progresses; the first one is usually the shortest, and the last one is usually the longest. Along with this, the amount of time spent in each of the 4 stages changes as the night progresses (Suni and Singh).
Based on brain activity analysis, it is found that one of the four stages is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, while the other three are non-REM sleep.
REM Sleep & Dreaming
During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, almost as active as if you were awake. Brain activity increases in the amygdala (responsible for emotion regulation) and hippocampus (memory processing). Because of the heightened activity of emotions and memory, intense and vivid images are created in the form of dreams. The prefrontal cortex, the logical part of the brain, has low activity resulting in most dreams being exaggerated, surreal, or dramatic (Robinson).
Your eyes move around rapidly in different directions (Robinson). Your heart rate increases, your breath quickens, and your muscles go limp so you don’t act out your dreams (Robinson). This phase occurs multiple times during the night with each time increasing in length.
Why is REM sleep important?
Because it activates the parts of your brain that support memory and learning, REM is crucial. Your brain heals itself and analyses emotional events throughout this phase. Additionally, it creates long-term memories from short-term ones (Robinson).
Staying up late can disrupt your sleep cycle, which results in a decrease in the amount of REM sleep. Lack of REM sleep will decrease the working capabilities of the amygdala and hippocampus. This has many side effects on your everyday life. These include trouble coping with emotions, trouble concentrating, a weakened immune system, and grogginess.
Methods to increase REM sleep:
Consistent bedtime routine
Create a sleep schedule and try your best to follow it (perhaps give yourself incentives such as chocolate or an extra episode of your favourite show)
Avoid nicotine and caffeine
Consistent exercise schedule with natural sunlight time everyday
Avoid alcohol and meals close to bedtime
Avoid TV and electronics before bed
Final Notes
You begin a new sleep cycle every time you go to bed, progressing from non-REM to REM phases. Your deepest sleep occurs during non-REM sleep, while REM sleep is when you dream. Both REM and non-REM sleep are important since your body and brain are working on memory processing, restoration, and strengthening while you sleep. Lack of sleep may have an impact on your general well-being as well as your physical and mental health.
Written By: Krisha L
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