REM sleep, also called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is one of the five stages of a person's sleep cycle. It is during this stage that the majority of dreams occur. It is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and intense brain activity, similar to that of wakefulness.

It is called "paradoxical" because, despite this high level of brain activity, the body enters a state of temporary muscle paralysis, a unique characteristic of this phase of sleep. This phenomenon is a natural protection to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams.

REM sleep is crucial for various cognitive and physiological functions, including memory consolidation, mood regulation, and brain restoration. During a typical night of sleep, an individual goes through several sleep cycles, with periods of REM sleep progressively lengthening throughout the night.

A good mattress, like our Alba Pearl mattress , can help promote healthy, restful sleep. Made from 100% natural latex, it provides exceptional comfort and support, allowing sleepers to transition through sleep cycles with ease. This contributes to deeper sleep, which can improve the quality of REM sleep.