How Much REM Sleep Do you Need?
Introduction
Have you experienced a groggy awakening after sleeping for 8 hours? There could be a deeper reason behind it–literally. The issue is not just the length of time you’re asleep but what type of rest you receive. REM sleep, also referred to as Rapid Eye Movement sleep, is an important factor in this equation.
What amount of REM sleeping time do you require to feel refreshed, well-adjusted, focused, and sharp? Let’s take it apart.
Understanding the Basics of Sleep
Before you dive into REM, it is important to know the entire sleep process.
NREM vs REM Sleep
The two categories that sleep falls under are NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) and REM. NREM is comprised of three phases, which range from light sleep to deep sleep. In the third stage, REM is when dreams come to life, and the brain is in high gear.
The 4 Stages of Sleep
- NREM Stage 1 – The shortest sleep time, lasting just a couple of minutes.
- NREM Stage 2 – Heart rate slows, body temp decreases. Reduces.
- NREM Stage 3 – A deep sleep. The body heals itself.
- REM Sleep – In the brain, activity is high, dreams happen, and memories consolidate.
How Long Each Cycle Lasts
Every cycle is about 90 minutes. REM sleep is getting longer all evening. The average is that REM accounts for 20 to 25 per cent of all sleeping.
What is REM Sleep?
Definition of REM Sleep
The REM stage is the time when the eyes flicker beneath your eyes, brain activity is elevated, and vivid dreaming begins. This is also the time when your brain is processing emotions and storing long-term memories.
What Happens During REM?
- Brain waves mirror the state of wakefulness
- Breathing and heart rate change to irregular
- Muscles can be in a state of paralysis (so it’s impossible to act out your fantasies)
- The body is in an era of healing and sorting of the neural system
Role in Mood and Health
REM sleep plays a key role in:
- Regulating emotions
- Memory consolidation
- Problem-solving and creativity
How much REM sleep do you need?
Recommended Duration
Adults should strive for 90 to 120 minutes of restful sleep every night, which should be spread out over four to six nights.
Variations by Age and Lifestyle
Children
Babies spend as much as 50% of their sleep in REM, which is essential to developing brains.
Adults
Around 20-25% of your total sleep must be in REM. This is about 1.5 to 2 hours each evening if you’re slumbering for 7 to 9 hours.
Seniors
Older adults typically have lower levels of REM sleep due to the naturally occurring changes in the structure of sleep.
Signs You’re Not Getting Enough REM Sleep
Physical Symptoms
- It’s not uncommon to feel tired after a good night’s rest
- Headaches
- Insufficiency in the immune system
Cognitive and Emotional Effects
- Changes in mood
- Insufficient memory or lack of focus
- Stress and anger
How to Improve REM Sleep Naturally
Lifestyle Changes
- Stay on a regular sleeping schedule
- Beware of screens before bedtime
- You should get sunlight throughout the day
Sleep Hygiene Tips
- Keep your bedroom cool and deep
- Utilize white noise or calm music
- Beware of alcohol and caffeine in the evening
Diet and Supplements
- Melatonin and magnesium can help
- Chamomile tea, an herbal tea that contains chamomile, is calming for the mind.
Factors That Disrupt REM sleep
Stress and Anxiety
The brain is always on high alert and cuts REM short.
Medications and Alcohol
A lot of antidepressants and alcohol can suppress REM, even though they can help you sleep more quickly.
Sleep Disorders
Disorders such as sleep apnea, as well as insomnia, are major causes of decreased REM sleep quality and volume.
REM Sleep vs Deep Sleep: What’s the Difference?
Functions of Each Stage
Deep Sleep (NREM 3): Recovery of the physical body and repair of the immune system
REM Sleep: Memory function, brain function, emotional state
Why Both Are Essential
Imagine it as sleeping on a smartphone. When you sleep, it recharges the battery. REM updates the applications.
Tools and Tech to Track REM Sleep
Smartwatches and Trackers
Equipment such as Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch gives an estimate of the REM levels.
Apps
Apps such as Sleep Cycle, Whoop, and Oura Ring offer deeper insights and patterns over the course of time.
Can You Get Too Much REM Sleep?
What Science Says
The presence of excessive REM is not common, but it is common during depression or sleep deprivation, recovery, or because of specific medications.
Balancing All Sleep Stages
The aim isn’t just to max out REM but to ensure equilibrium across the various phases.
The Role of Dreams in REM Sleep
Why We Dream
The mind can use dreams to process emotions and thoughts, similar to a therapy session over the weekend.
Can You Control Dreams?
Yes. Lucid dreams can occur when you’re conscious that you can control the course of your dream, usually when you’re in REM sleep.
Sleep Cycles Through the Night
How REM Increases Overnight
The early cycles are brief REM periods. When the nights get longer, REM duration lengthens–so sleeping longer will result in greater REM.
Ideal Sleep Duration
To get the best REM sleep, try at least 7-9 hours for the best quality nights of rest.
Myths About REM Sleep
Common Misconceptions
“A good night’s sleep is a sign that you’ve had a good dream,” is not always true.
“It is much more crucial to get REM than deep sleep.” – They both matter.
“Only adults are required to REM” – Kids need it even more!
When to See a Sleep Specialist
Persistent REM Issues
If you’re tired even after eight hours, or you’re having vivid nightmares, then it could be time to talk with an expert.
Diagnosing Disorders
Experts can recommend the use of a sleep investigation and/or polysomnography for information.
Conclusion
The question is, how much REM sleep do you need it’s about 90 to 120 minutes each night. However, more crucial than this amount of sleep is the quantity. Sleeping well isn’t just the amount of time spent in bed but also the amount of time you spend at each stage, especially REM.
Make your brain an absorber that absorbs information throughout the day and gets rinsed and recharged in REM during nighttime sleep. Sweet dreams!
FAQs
How much REM sleep is ideal per night?
 A 90-120 minute period of REM sleep is the ideal amount for adult sleep, which is 20% to 25% of the total amount of sleep.
What happens if you don’t get REM sleep?
 A lack of REM may cause depression, memory issues, or even weakened immunity.
Can you increase your REM sleep?
 Do you have a choice? Improve your sleep hygiene, decrease drinking, control stress, and try to achieve a greater sleep duration.
Does REM sleep mean you’re dreaming?
 Usually, yes. Most vivid dreams happen during REM, though dreaming can occur in other stages, too.
Is light sleep bad for you?
Yes, but having excessive light sleep and not sufficient REM or deep sleep can make you feel tired and unrefreshed.
