
Sleep is a universal need for all higher life forms, including humans. Humans spend about one-third of their lives asleep, yet most individuals know little about it. Sleep is divided into two types: non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth. Both REM and NREM sleep are important for our physical and mental health and our overall well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is REM sleep? | The REM stage is when you dream, and your deepest sleep happens during non-REM sleep |
| What is NREM sleep? | NREM sleep is when your body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system |
| How much NREM sleep do we need? | In adults, stage 3 makes up about 25% of total sleep time |
| What happens if we don't get enough sleep? | If you don't get enough sleep, it can affect your physical and mental health and your overall well-being |
| What is sleep architecture? | Sleep architecture refers to the basic structural organisation of normal sleep |
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What You'll Learn

REM sleep is when you dream
Sleep is a universal need for all higher life forms, including humans, and is divided into two types: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth.
You need stage 3 NREM sleep to wake up feeling rested. Without enough stage 3 sleep, you feel tired and drained even if you slept for a long time. That’s why your body automatically tries to get as much stage 3 sleep into your sleeping period as early as possible. After stage 3 NREM sleep, your body moves into stage 2 NREM, which is the gatekeeper of REM sleep.
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Non-REM sleep is when your body repairs and regrows tissues
Sleep is a universal need of all higher life forms, including humans. Sleep is divided into two types: non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth.
Your deepest sleep happens during non-REM sleep. Both REM sleep and non-REM sleep are important because while you’re asleep, your brain and body are busy repairing and strengthening things as well as processing memories. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your physical and mental health and your overall well-being. You need both REM and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is important for your learning and memory.
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Non-REM sleep is when your body builds bone and muscle
Sleep is a universal need of all higher life forms, including humans, and is divided into two types: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth.
NREM sleep is when your body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system. During the deep stages of NREM sleep, your body repairs and regenerates. This is when you feel most rested. Without enough stage 3 NREM sleep, you will feel tired and drained even if you slept for a long time. Your body automatically tries to get as much stage 3 sleep as possible early in your sleep period.
After stage 3 NREM sleep, your body moves into stage 2 NREM, which is the gatekeeper of REM sleep. During REM sleep, you usually dream, and your deepest sleep happens during non-REM sleep. Both REM sleep and non-REM sleep are important because while you’re asleep, your brain and body are busy repairing and strengthening things as well as processing memories. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your physical and mental health and your overall well-being.
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Non-REM sleep strengthens your immune system
Sleep is a universal need of all higher life forms, including humans, and a lack of sleep has serious physiological consequences. Sleep is divided into two types: non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth.
During the deep stages of NREM sleep, the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system. This is why you need stage 3 NREM sleep to wake up feeling rested. Without enough stage 3 sleep, you feel tired and drained even if you slept for a long time. As you get older, you sleep more lightly and get less deep sleep.
Both REM sleep and non-REM sleep are important because while you’re asleep, your brain and body are busy repairing and strengthening things as well as processing memories. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your physical and mental health and your overall well-being.
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If you don't get enough REM and non-REM sleep, it can affect your physical and mental health
Sleep is a universal need for all higher life forms, including humans, and a lack of sleep has serious physiological consequences. Sleep is divided into two types: non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into four stages, representing a continuum of relative depth.
Additionally, not getting enough stage 3 NREM sleep can leave you feeling tired and drained, even if you slept for a long time. This is because stage 3 NREM sleep is the deepest and most restorative type of sleep. If you're woken up during this stage, you may experience "sleep inertia", a state of confusion or "mental fog".
Overall, getting enough REM and non-REM sleep is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental health. Without sufficient sleep, you may experience negative consequences such as impaired learning and memory, a weakened immune system, and feelings of fatigue and disorientation.
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Frequently asked questions
Both REM and NREM sleep are important for your physical and mental health and your overall well-being. If you don't get enough sleep, it can have serious physiological consequences.
REM sleep is important for your learning and memory, and it's usually when you dream.
During the deep stages of NREM sleep, the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system.




























