non-REM sleep

noun

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\ ˈnän-ˌrem-

variants: or NREM sleep \ ˈen-ˌrem-

Definition of non-REM sleep

: a state of sleep that occurs regularly during a normal period of sleep with intervening periods of REM sleep and is characterized by delta wave brain activity, little dreaming, and a reduced level of autonomic physiological activity Non-REM sleep is a quiet sleep state. The muscles are relaxed but maintain some tone, breathing is regular, the cerebral cortex generates high-voltage waves, and consumption of energy by the brain is minimal.— Jerome M. Siegel For most people the few dreams found in non-REM sleep tend to have a rather thought-like character. During REM sleep, on the other hand, dreams occur more frequently and usually have a perceptual vividness …— Francis Crick et al. NREM sleep … is crucial to memory retention, and to acquiring and refining our motor skills.— David Kamp — compare rem sleep, slow-wave sleep

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Dictionary Entries Near non-REM sleep

nonremovable

non-REM sleep

nonrenewable

Statistics for non-REM sleep

Cite this Entry

“Non-REM sleep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non-REM%20sleep. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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