Sleep consists of stages, and two of the best known are rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep sleep. While REM sleep is often associated with the mind and cognitive functions, deep sleep is all about physical restoration and health.
Both are essential for overall health and wellbeing, and getting a balanced cycle of REM and deep sleep is key to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
What is REM sleep? – REM sleep is a fascinating stage of our sleep cycle. It’s called REM, because, during this stage, our eyes move rapidly in various directions, even though they’re closed. This stage is strongly associated with vivid dreams. During REM sleep, our brain activity spikes, resembling activity patterns from when we are awake. Interestingly, REM sleep increases in duration in the latter half of the night, which is why we often wake up from a dream in the morning hours. REM sleep is particularly important because of the benefits it brings to our cognitive functions.
5 benefits of REM sleep
- Enhances learning and memory
- Supports emotional regulation
- Cultivates creativity and problem-solving
- Contributes to brain development
- Improves mental health
Deep sleep — also known as slow-wave sleep — is the stage of sleep when our brain waves slow down significantly. This is the most restorative phase of sleep, ensuring we wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Deep sleep typically occurs in longer periods during the first half of the night.
Deep sleep is associated with essential benefits to our physical wellbeing.
- Promotes physical healing and repair
- Boosts immune system functionality
- Facilitates growth and development
- Enhances memory consolidation
- Regulates hormones
- Supports brain health
Is REM or deep sleep better?
Neither REM nor deep sleep are better than the other. REM and deep sleep complement each other, with REM sleep supporting cognitive and emotional health and deep sleep focusing on physical restoration. A balanced cycle between REM and deep sleep is vital for overall health, contributing to everything from mood regulation and cognitive function to physical health and disease prevention.
How much REM and deep sleep do you need? – These percentages can vary depending on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, children and adolescents typically need more REM and deep sleep to support their growth and development. REM sleep: Adults should aim for about 20–25% of their sleep to be REM sleep. This translates to roughly 1.5 to 2 hours per night if you’re getting the recommended 7–9 hours of total sleep.
Deep sleep: For deep sleep, adults typically need about 13–23% of their sleep in this stage, which equates to about 1 to 2 hours per night in a 7–9 hour sleep period.
Is REM or deep sleep better? – Neither REM nor deep sleep are better than the other. REM and deep sleep complement each other, with REM sleep supporting cognitive and emotional health and deep sleep focusing on physical restoration. A balanced cycle between REM and deep sleep is vital for overall health, contributing to everything from mood regulation and cognitive function to physical health and disease prevention.
