REM: why do you dream?

Ritesh Bawri

15 Jan 2025 — 2 min read

Photo by Kinga Howard / Unsplash

Have you heard of the concept of rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep?

If you have wondered how did we discover REM sleep and what are the implications, dig in.

In 1953, Eugene Aserinsky and Nathaniel Kleitman, at the University of Chicago, were studying sleep.

During their studies, they observed a phenomenon that had eluded scientists for centuries.

Using EEG to monitor brain waves, they noticed that, during sleep, subjects experienced bursts of rapid eye movements accompanied by high-frequency brain activity.

Occurring as part of the sleep cycle, this phase came to be called rapid eye movement or REM.

REM sleep is characterized by low-amplitude, mixed-frequency brain activity. Though the brain seemed awake, the body was undergoing muscle paralysis.

The brain was acting like it was awake.

REM, we would learn, played a pivotal role in memory consolidation and emotional processing.

Studies have since shown that the brain uses this phase of sleep to integrate new information with existing memories, particularly emotional memories.

The brain engages in roles play, enhancing cognitive functions. You learn, solve problems and make decisions. Parts of your brain are activated to consolidate memories and experiences.

It is like the brain is playing out a lifelike movie inside our head. The paralysis helping prevent you from running around while doing so.

REM is linked to emotional regulation.

Disruptions in REM sleep have been associated with various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you or someone you know is suffering, chances are they may have REM sleep dysregulation.

We have come a long way in our ability to track our sleep. Most devices are able to monitor and report the quality and duration of your sleep.

Knowing how much and for how long you are entering REM sleep could be useful to understand your emotional state during the day.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain

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