Attaining an optimal amount of sleep is often difficult, but it is essential for maintaining your health and well-being.
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A sleep survey by YouGov in 2024 revealed that approximately 38% of British individuals seldom feel rested after sleeping, with this issue being more prevalent among those aged 35 to 54.
It's common knowledge that many of us do not sleep as effectively as we should, and achieving a full night's restful sleep is a luxury. However, getting sufficient sleep is vital, especially when it comes to REM sleep, according to experts at The Sleep Foundation.
The Sleep Foundation's website states, "REM is critical for several key functions, including brain development and emotional processing."
What exactly is REM sleep?
REM stands for 'rapid eye movement', a phase of sleep characterized by frequent dreaming.
Harvard Health explains: "Most of your dreams occur during REM sleep. At this time, your heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, and respiration increase.
"Even with your eyes closed, they move rapidly. Additionally, the muscles in your limbs temporarily become paralyzed, preventing you from physically enacting your dreams."
This period is also when our brains are particularly active. According to sleep and rest specialists at Calm, REM sleep aids in these critical cognitive functions:
- Improves learning and memory
- Aids in emotional regulation
- Fosters creativity and problem-solving
- Promotes brain development
- Enhances mental health
These functions are indeed significant.
Assessing Your REM Sleep and Strategies to Increase It
As Healthline suggests, if you are between 18 and 60 years old and sleep for 7–8 hours per night but still wake up feeling unrefreshed, you may not be getting enough deep sleep, which is necessary for REM sleep.
Health professionals recommend these steps if you suspect you are not getting enough REM sleep:
- Employ stress management techniques
- Create sleep routines, such as taking a bath before bed
- Sleep in a quiet, dark room with an optimal temperature
- Use an eye mask to block out light
