Insights, category: Improving Cognitive Performance

REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, named for the darting motion of your eyes during this phase. But the real magic happens beneath the surface. During REM sleep, your brain activity resembles that of wakefulness, and your body temporarily paralyzes most muscles.

Light sleep refers to the first two stages of the sleep cycle: Stage 1 (N1) and Stage 2 (N2). It’s when you start transitioning from wakefulness to slumber. Your heart rate slows, muscles relax, and body temperature drops.