Human Sleep Cycle, Rapid Eye Movement - Essay Example

The circadian pacemaker is influenced by the earth’s electromagnetic fields. As the sun sinks in the sky, it follows that daylight shifts to dusk, and then into darkness. Honeycutt and Milliken point out that “this shift in light signals the pineal gland in the brain to secrete melatonin, the hormone that causes us to yawn and our eyelids to become heavy” (66). Eventually, the individual falls asleep even when tries to stay awake, he or she cannot.

Human sleep consists of two phases that alternate throughout the sleep period. These two phases are REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and Non- REM sleep. The Non-REM phase is the period when most body processes slow down, the muscles are relaxed, and the eyes are relatively still. It includes four stages of progressively deeper sleep (Honeycutt and Milliken 66). After the four stages, is when the REM phase begins, which ends when one wakes up.

1. Scientific Hypotheses about the Nature and Purpose of REM Sleep and Dreaming

REM phase is the period when there is an increase in mental activity and it is the fifth stage of sleep. “Dreaming occurs concurrently with bursts of rapid eye movement, breathing is irregular, and pulse and blood pressure rise and fall” (Honeycutt and Milliken 66). The frequency and duration of REM sleep periods increase during the final hours of sleep, especially between the fifth and sixth hours.

Sigmund Freud argued that people who are deprived of REM sleep and dreaming are less likely to recall complex information learned earlier in the day, compared to those people who are not deprived. These people have difficulties in concentrating when they awaken. Researchers have also argued that although people can dream in a way in all stages of sleep, it is easier to recall dreams dreamt during REM sleep. According to Pastorino and Doyle-Portillo, “more than 80% of people awakened from REM sleep report dreaming” (131).

Dreaming that occurs in REM sleep is said to be major stress management. This is made possible because, during REM sleep, one is able to let off steam that couldn’t have been let out during the day. According to Honeycut and Milliken, “research conducted in sleep laboratories has revealed that deprivation of REM sleep has the same effects as sleep deprivation” (67). Enough REM sleep gives a person concentration and coordination. REM sleep plays a role in the restoration and reorganization of brain processes that mediate the flow and structure of information (Honeycutt and Milliken 67). This includes things like problem-solving memory consolidation.

2. Conclusion
In conclusion, sleep is as important as other basic necessities in life such as water, food, and air. It is important for every person to get enough sleep, and especially REM sleep that improves concentration and coordination.