REM sleep

noun

Definition of REM sleep

: a state of sleep that recurs cyclically several times during a normal period of sleep and that is characterized especially by increased neuronal activity of the forebrain and midbrain, depressed muscle tone, dreaming, and rapid eye movements

— called also paradoxical sleep, rapid eye movement sleep

— compare slow-wave sleep

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The first known use of REM sleep was in 1963

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More Definitions for REM sleep

REM sleep

noun

English Language Learners Definition of REM sleep

: a stage of sleep during which you dream and your eyes make quick movements

See the full definition for REM sleep in the English Language Learners Dictionary

REM sleep

noun

Medical Definition of REM sleep

: a state of sleep that recurs cyclically several times during a normal period of sleep and that is characterized by increased neuronal activity of the forebrain and midbrain, by depressed muscle tone, and especially in humans by dreaming, rapid eye movements, and vascular congestion of the sex organs

— called also desynchronized sleep, paradoxical sleep, rapid eye movement sleep

— compare slow-wave sleep