REM sleep "clears up the brain"? - It happens when the body is at rest

Most of your dreams take place during what is known as the "REM sleep phase", which is characterized by rapid eye movements and increased brain activity.

Perhaps you have also heard of the so-called "REM sleep phase" and only understood the train station, so a brief explanation in advance.

"REM"

comes from "rapid eye movement", which means

"rapid eye movements"

and thus describes the characteristic activity of this sleep phase.

Because actually

your eyes move under closed lids during the REM phase

especially often and violently.

The REM sleep phase is usually run through at least once during each night's sleep.

However, a

clear function

of REM sleep is still unclear.

However, experts suspect that during this phase they dealt with situations they experienced during the day

and information that has already been recorded is partly

stored

in

long-term memory *

.

But what we know for sure about this resting phase is that we dream more and more during this time, which makes up around 25 percent of adult sleep.

Although dreams are also conceivable in other phases of sleep, most and

particularly intense

dreams

fall

during the REM sleep phase.

While short, more rational and thought-like processes become recognizable in the other phases, complex and vivid dreams then increasingly take place in the REM sleep phase.

Also interesting:

Perfect sleep time graded according to age: You really need that much sleep.

How are body and mind related to REM sleep?

The

REM sleep phase

should not be confused with the

deep sleep

phase, in which your physical functions are reduced so that, by and large, you lie completely still.

During the REM sleep phase, your body becomes paralyzed in order to prevent you from actually performing the movements you dreamed of.

Unlike in the deep sleep phase, however, the body makes its way through one

increased heart rate and blood pressure

as well as

noticeable

through

rapid eye movements

and

increasing brain activity

. 

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder - What is it?

In the case of the so-called "REM sleep behavior disorder", the

muscle paralysis

that is otherwise typical for this sleep phase

does not set in, which causes the sleeper to move and react from dreams

actually executes.

This not only means anything but a good night's sleep, it also makes sleeping people a

danger

to themselves and others

.

The sleeper is completely out of the role and his behavior differs greatly from how you experience him during the day.

In the dreams often associated with REM sleep behavior disorder, the sleeper has to fight, attack, and / or defend himself, which can

lead

to serious

injuries

.

Learn more:

Moonstruck?

Why people sleepwalk.

Optimized REM Sleep - What Can You Do To Improve Your Resting Period?

Although the quality of REM sleep cannot be increased as such, it can be influenced by

improving the general sleep quality

. 

• Get your body used to constant sleeping and waking times and try to keep to them as regularly as possible.

• Avoid hectic and / or sporting activities just before going to bed and rather try relaxation exercises, meditation or yoga.

• Avoid consuming alcohol and difficult to digest meals in the evening.

(Clara Kistner) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.