The sleep cycle is divided into two main stages: non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
Non–rapid eye movement sleep has three stages:
Most dreaming happens during REM sleep. During REM sleep:
During sleep, a person usually progresses through the 3 stages of non-REM sleep before entering REM sleep. This takes about 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. The sleep cycle is usually repeated about 4 to 6 times each night.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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