In the context of sleep studies, what does REM stand for?

In the context of sleep studies, REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. This phase of sleep is characterized by quick, random movements of the eyes and is a critical component of the sleep cycle. During REM sleep, brain activity increases, and it is during this phase that most dreaming occurs. The physiological changes in this stage include increased heart rate, irregular breathing, and temporary muscle paralysis, which prevents individuals from acting out their dreams. Understanding REM sleep is essential for analyzing sleep disorders and the overall sleep architecture in polysomnography, making it a key focus in sleep medicine.