Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!

November 21, 2023

Editor: Lexie Meltzer

Sleep is the key pillar of success for not only our immune system and physical health but, most importantly, our mental well-being. A lack of sleep begins a domino effect of problems that can impede our social lives, performance at work, and even our motivation to do the things we love; understanding the importance and breakdown of sleep cycles can help eliminate the threat of these problems. Sleep can be simply understood when we break it down into the two main components that make up a sleep cycle: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement).

So what is REM, and why is it so important? REM makes up the 25% of our sleep cycle during which our eyes are completely shut and move rapidly back and forth, all the while our bodies remain entirely still (Professional, 2023). REM is also when our minds can dream, so our brains have the most activity while asleep — in short, you are considered to be in your “deepest sleep.” Next to follow is NREM, which accounts for the other 75% of our time asleep. This is when our bodies are typically more actively moving, and we can be more easily awoken. Our brains will have the least amount of activity during this time. The REM part of sleep is when our minds can officially consolidate and process the information we have experienced and learned that day. REM also helps to regulate our mood and mental concentration (National Sleep Foundation, 2020). A full sleep cycle consists of a 10-minute REM increment that gets increasingly larger. These 10 minutes are then followed by a 90-120 minute NREM cycle to complete one entire cycle out of the 6-8 you will undergo in your sleep (Professional, 2023).

What are the direct benefits of REM? Getting a solid, uninterrupted, and complete REM cycle mentally helps (OASH, 2023):

Reduce stress and improve mood
Think more clearly and improve work skills
Improve problem-solving skills
Heighten creativity

While it physically helps (DHHS, 2018):

Boost the immune system to help avoid illness
Lower risk of severe health disease
Remain at a stable, healthy weight
Facilitate the release and regulation of hormones

By understanding REM and the benefits of quality sleep to everyday life, we can view sleep as something attainable, manageable, and worthy of prioritization in our everyday lives.

Work Cited:

Get Enough Sleep. Get Enough Sleep - MyHealthfinder. (2023). https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep

National Sleep Foundation. (2020, November 1). What is REM sleep?. National Sleep Foundation. https://www.thensf.org/what-is-rem-sleep/

Professional, C. C. Medical. (n.d.). Sleep. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics

REM sleep revealed: Enhance your sleep quality. Sleep Foundation. (2023, November 3). https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep/rem-sleep#:~:text=REM%20sleep%20is%20characterized%20by,%2C%20brain%20development%2C%20and%20dreaming.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018, April 4). The Benefits of Slumber. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber#:~:text=Throughout%20the%20night%2C%20your%20heart,can%20affect%20your%20body%20weight.

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