What is REM sleep & why is it important?
Your breathing will quicken, and your eyes will move rapidly (hence the name), per theNIH.
This sleep stage is particularly important for emotional regulation, says Bhopal.
So REM sleep…basically solidifies the memories that you learned that day."
Mostvivid dreamswith complex storylines also occur during REM sleep, adds Bhopal.
It all depends on your age.
Infants spend up to 50% of their sleeping time in REM, says Bhopal.
As you get into your adolescence, the ideal amount of REM sleep starts to decrease and then stabilize.
And that overall sleep deprivation will affect allstages of sleep.
“People ask me, ‘How can I get more REM sleep?'”
To get enough REM sleep, check that to stick to a sleep schedule.
That’s why most people are best off avoiding caffeinated beverages after noon, she notes.
Similarly, your last alcoholic drink should be three to five hours before bedtime.
It’s also important to give yourself time to unwind from the day.
“You have to give yourself time in the evening to wind down.”
You’ll also want to create as dark of a bedroom as possible, he suggests.
Use dark curtains or blackout shades when possible, orwear a sleep mask.
“Don’t worry about getting a perfect night of sleep every single night,” she explains.
“That simply isn’t possiblesleep is going to fluctuate.
In that case, “we would be concerned about too much sleep in general,” he notes.
In some cases, REM rebound is possible, says Bhopal.
Most often, though, you don’t need to worry about getting too much REM sleep.
“Usually, it’s the other way aroundpeople aren’t getting quite enough,” says Bhopal.
Plus, the stats trackers provide could do more harm than good for some people.
The best at-home REM sleep measurement may simply be how you feel.
“They’re like, ‘Oh no, I’m not getting enough REM sleep.
It can be a bit of a vicious cycle.”
So, the best at-home REM sleep measurement may simply be how you feel.
Bhopal suggests asking yourself a few questions: Do you feel rested after a night of sleep?
Do you feel like you’re functioning well during the day?
If you answer yes, there’s a good chance you’re getting enough sleep, including REM sleep.
FAQ
Is 2 hours of REM sleep too much?
So long as you’re not oversleeping, two hours is right on target.
How much deep sleep do you need?
Deep sleepoccurs in stage 3 of the sleep cycle, one step before REM sleep, according to theNIH.
Is 30 minutes of REM sleep enough?
A half-hour of REM sleep isn’t enough to support memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
The takeaway
So, how much REM sleep do you need?
“Sleep issues are highly treatable, so don’t delay it.”
