REM Sleep: Characteristics, Disorders and Physiological Effects

Rapid eye movement (REM) is a cyclical sleep period, occurring in intervals of 90-120 minutes during the night, occupying approximately 20-25% of total sleep time. During REM sleep, there is active inhibition of muscle activity, leading to complete or near complete atonia. This is a complex process generated by the interplay of multiple neurotransmitter systems, with a decrease in excitatory activity and increase in the inhibitory glycinergic and GABAergic premotor neuronal input to motor neurons. This book discusses the characteristics, disorders and physiological effects of REM sleep. See more