REM sleep is characterized by which of the following?

REM sleep is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Rapid eye movements and dreams are common during REM sleep
• B. REM sleep features muscle paralysis but no brain activity changes
• C. Rapid eye movements and muscle paralysis are characteristic of REM sleep
• D. REM sleep is identical to non-REM sleep in brain activity

Answer: (C)

REM sleep is marked by rapid eye movements and muscle atonia. The eyes move quickly and unpredictably, while most voluntary muscles are temporarily paralyzed, which prevents acting out dreams. This pairing of eye movements with a relaxed, paralyzed body is the defining feature used to identify REM sleep. Dreams are common in REM, but the crucial diagnostic combo is the rapid eye movements plus the loss of muscle tone. Brain activity during REM is actually quite active, not unchanged, so statements about no brain activity changes aren’t accurate.

REM sleep is marked by rapid eye movements and muscle atonia. The eyes move quickly and unpredictably, while most voluntary muscles are temporarily paralyzed, which prevents acting out dreams. This pairing of eye movements with a relaxed, paralyzed body is the defining feature used to identify REM sleep. Dreams are common in REM, but the crucial diagnostic combo is the rapid eye movements plus the loss of muscle tone. Brain activity during REM is actually quite active, not unchanged, so statements about no brain activity changes aren’t accurate.