REM, or Rapid Eye Movement, are rapid movements of the eyes during sleep. This period of sleep occurs in mammals, including humans, and other animals. There are various traits and disorders associated with REM sleep.
History
The REM sleep theory was discovered by Nathaniel Klietman and Eugene Aserinsky in 1952. They classified REM sleep as either classic or phasic.
Features
Characteristics of REM sleep include low muscle tone, rapid eye movements and low voltage electroencephalography (EEG). These characteristics are usually displayed through a polysomnogram.
When REM Occurs
Some people refer to REM as the part of sleep when they have vivid dreams. Depending on age and overall health, the amount of time an individual spends in REM varies. For the most part, humans experience REM for 1.5 to 2 hours of sleep--and there are usually between 4 and 5 periods of REM during each night's sleep.
Sleep Disorders
Narcolepsy is often detected with altered patterns of REM sleep. It usually takes about an hour an a half to fall into REM; however, those who suffer from from narcolepsy tend to fall into REM much faster--sometimes 15 minutes after falling asleep. Other disorders include RBD (Rapid eye movement Behavior Disorder). In RBD, individuals may experience extreme changes in motor reactions while sleeping, such as acting out, twitching or other violent behaviors.
Who Gets REM?
REM sleep occurs in all mammals. The echidnas (spiny anteaters) also fall into rapid eye movement, but only when the temperature reaches 25 degrees C.
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