REM rebound: What is its connection with vivid dreams?
REM rebound is a medical condition that increases the frequency, depth, and intensity of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. It is caused by sleep deprivation or significant other stressors. Numerous research studies carried out on human and animal participants have shown that sleep deprivation is the major cause of this phenomenon. These studies are done by utilizing EEG and hormonal measurements. The human body experiences increased frequency and intensity of REM sleep to compensate for said deprivation.
REM sleep
REM rebound plays various roles in our sleep such as it the major cause of vivid dreams, before discussing the connection between these two. Let us first discuss about it.
What are Vivid Dreams?
We spend approximately two hours dreaming every night. The majority of people don’t remember their dreams or have only a blurred memory of what took place in their dreams. However, sometimes, you might wake up with a clear recollection of your dreams. These types of dreams are known as vivid dreams.
The content of a vivid dream can create emotions of happiness or discomfort. Sometimes, you even want to go back to the dream after waking up. Some are full of fantasies and mysterious events. Therefore, they often leave you thinking strange things about your own brain that you may have gone mad or something. Vivid dreams may be fantastical, leaving you wondering how your brain could have conjured such a strange scenario.
They are filled with passion and zeal. And they feel similar to real-life memories. They originate from normal REM cycles the brain goes through in a normal good night’s sleep. Yet unlike most dreams, vivid dreams can feel so intense that they affect your mental health and wellbeing.
They can also be upsetting or disturbing, and in some cases may interfere with experiencing quality sleep.
What Causes Vivid Dreams?
The two main phases of sleep are rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. Although dreaming can take place during both REM sleep and non-REM sleep. Dreams seen during REM sleep tend to be more intense. These dreams are known as vivid dreams.
Additionally, REM cycles are normally longer and deeper in the morning towards the end of sleep.
Research has shown that REM rebound increases REM sleep and that causes vivid dreams, nightmares, and a groggy disconnected feeling upon waking in the morning.
Takeaways
Vivid dreams often prove to be emotionally draining for the majority of people, especially youngsters. Therefore, there is every chance that they may cause depression or anxiety symptoms. Moreover, it could become a serious problem if they persist over time. If you are facing emotional distress or physical problems, then you may get some benefit from medical treatment or daily lifestyle changes.
Vivid dreamers must take this condition seriously and consult a mental health specialist to solve it as soon as possible.
In addition to that, they can also get rid of this thing through using various healthy methods such as eating well, getting enough sleep, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking enough water, and looking after your mental health can help avoid vivid dreams.
Furthermore, patients can also cope with this issue by using exercising, deep breathing, art therapies, relaxation techniques, and meditation therapies.