Have you ever awakened with a sense of bewilderment about the happenings in your dreams the night before? You're not alone! Studies indicate that whether or not you recall them, dreaming is a universal phenomenon during sleep. The underlying purpose of this natural brain activity while at rest remains a mystery to science.
What transpires during our dreams is a subject of numerous theories, yet absolute certainty regarding the purpose remains elusive. Nevertheless, we have insights into the distinct stages the body undergoes upon entering the realm of dreams.
Initially, we transition into a semi-conscious state, not entirely asleep or awake. Muscles begin to relax, occasionally twitching—a phenomenon termed a hypnic jerk. That sensation of falling right before sleep? That's a hypnic jerk.
As we progress to the second sleep stage, our awareness shifts from external to internal. Core temperature tends to decrease, and brain waves slow down. The third phase brings complete bodily rest, marked by regular breathing and heartbeat, coupled with reduced brain function. During this phase, increased blood flow supports vital tissue growth and repair, laying the groundwork for the impending dream state.
The final and renowned phase is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Here, the brain becomes active, breathing turns shallow and irregular, and muscles experience temporary paralysis. It is during REM sleep that our most vivid dreams and nightmares unfold. As this phase concludes the sleep cycle, it's common to wake up afterward with recollections of the dream just experienced.
Contrary to the assumption that the brain shuts down during sleep, it is quite the opposite! In the REM stage, brain activity nearly rivals that of waking hours. It diligently processes information accumulated during the day and, as research suggests, continues to make decisions while you rest.
Never underestimate the profound impact of high-quality sleep!
If you would like to find out how REM-Fit can help you to get a better night’s sleep, get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable staff by calling 0800 014 9366 or email us via sales@rem-fit.co.uk
What Happens When We Dream: The Impact of High-quality Sleep
Studies indicate that whether or not you recall them, dreaming is a universal phenomenon during sleep. The underlying purpose of this natural brain activity while at rest remains a mystery to science.
