AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Brain waves during REM sleep appear very similar to brain waves during wakefulness. In contrast, non-REM (NREM) sleep is subdivided into three stages distinguished from each other and from wakefulness by characteristic patterns of brain waves.

Detailed explanation-2: -When you enter REM sleep, brain activity increases again, meaning sleep is not as deep. The activity levels are like when you’re awake. That’s why REM sleep is the stage where you’ll have intense dreams. At the same time, major muscles that you normally control (such as arms and legs) can’t move.

Detailed explanation-3: -During REM periods, brain activity shoots back up to levels similar to when you’re awake – which explains why REM is associated with the most intense dreams. While breathing and heart rate increase during REM sleep, most muscles are paralyzed, which keeps us from acting out those vivid dreams.

Detailed explanation-4: -Your brain tends to produce theta waves when you’re sleeping or dreaming. They tend to occur when you’re drifting off to sleep or just before you wake up. Theta brain waves can also occur when you’re awake and in a very deeply relaxed state of mind.