Getting enough sleep is hard but it’s essential for your wellbeing. Of course, to many of us it is hardly news that we’re not sleeping as well as we should be and getting a full night’s restful sleep is a rare treat but getting enough sleep is essential. This is especially true, according to the experts at The Sleep Foundation, for REM sleep. REM sleep is when most of your dreams occur. During REM sleep, your heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, and breathing increase. “Your eyes move rapidly, even though they are closed. The muscles in your arms and legs also become temporarily unable to move. This prevents you from acting out your dreams as you experience them. This is also a time that our brains are really getting to work. According to the sleep and rest experts at Calm, REM sleep helps with these essential cognitive functions Enhances learning and memory Supports emotional regulation Cultivates creativity and problem-solving Contributes to brain development According to Healthline, if you’re aged 18–60 and are sleeping for 7–8 hours per night but are not waking up feeling refreshed, you may not be getting enough deep sleep, which enables REM sleep. Practice strategies to manage stress Establish sleep routines, such as a bath before bed Sleep in a quiet, darkened room with a comfortable temperature Use an eye mask to block out light Exercise for 20–30 minutes during the day but not within the last few hours before bedtime Avoid large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to
bedtime Do relaxation exercises or meditation