What type of sleep is primarily characterized by rapid eye movements?

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is characterized by the distinct movement of the eyes, which is where it gets its name. This stage of sleep is also associated with high brain activity, vivid dreaming, and muscle atonia, meaning the body is effectively paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. REM sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, emotional processing, and overall cognitive function.

Other stages of sleep, such as Stage 1 and Stage 2, are part of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and do not feature the rapid eye movements that are characteristic of REM sleep. NREM sleep encompasses the initial stages of sleep leading into deeper states, which are more focused on restorative processes rather than the vivid dreaming and brain activity found during REM. Understanding these different stages of sleep is important for interpreting polysomnographic data and diagnosing sleep disorders accurately.