What is Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep?

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is when your brain goes on a wild adventure while your body rests.

Imagine you're playing hide and seek, but instead of hiding under a bed or behind the couch, your eyes are flitting around like they’re looking for something really exciting, that’s REM sleep! During this time, your brain is super busy, making stories, pictures, and even dreams. It's like when you close your eyes and suddenly you're running through a forest or flying with birds.

Your body is so relaxed that it almost feels like you’re floating, you might not even breathe the same way you do when you're awake. But inside your head, there’s a whole movie theater going on! You might be laughing, crying, or even jumping in your sleep, all while dreaming.

Even though you're asleep, your brain is working really hard, just like when you're playing your favorite game and you’re completely focused, that's how REM sleep helps you feel rested and ready for the next day.