Is it true that REM sleep is “deeper” than Deep sleep?
Q: Is it true that REM sleep is “deeper” than Deep Sleep? If this is so, why doesn’t REM appear on the graph as lower in the trough than Deep Sleep?
A: Actually, REM sleep is not as “deep” as Deep sleep, both in terms of brain activity as well as ease of arousal. Deep sleep is called “deep” because neural activity produces deep, slow waves during this phase and because it is more difficult to rouse someone from this sleep phase than others.
Deep sleep is called “deep” because of the slow, synchronized, and “deep” brainwaves that are produced during this phase. The body is relaxed and breathing is slow and regular, not as shallow as breathing during other phases.
In addition, Deep sleep is called “deep” because it is more difficult to rouse someone from this sleep phase. Once awakened, the would-be sleeper is much more likely to feel sluggish and grumpy, a trait called sleep inertia. Indeed, we’re so out-of-sorts when awakened from Deep sleep that our cognitive performance is as poor as someone who is drunk.
By contrast, REM is a highly active sleep stage with erratic brainwaves; there are deep dips, but they don’t occur as regularly or evenly as in Deep sleep. More importantly, the brain during REM is actually more active than it is during periods of relaxed wakefulness.
When in REM, the body is also highly aroused, with higher blood pressure and a faster heart rate. For men, erections and genital swelling are also common. However, in order to protect the body from acting out all the brain impulses bombarding our nervous system in this state, our entire voluntary muscular system is paralyzed.
Finally, when we are awakened from REM, we feel sharper and are more likely to “bounce out of bed.” It’s also common to wake from REM and go back to sleep directly into REM, something that does not happen with Deep sleep.
Related Questions:
- Why do I “feel better” when I get less Deep and REM than more?
- Is it possible to get too much REM Sleep?
- How is REM different from Deep Sleep?
- What wakes someone from REM sleep?
- Is it possible for deep meditation to simulate REM sleep?
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