What stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, dreaming, and muscle paralysis?

The stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, dreaming, and muscle paralysis is known as REM sleep. During this phase, the brain exhibits activity that is similar to wakefulness, which is why it is often associated with vivid dreaming. The rapid eye movements indicate the intense brain activity occurring during this time, as the body becomes effectively paralyzed due to the inhibition of motor neurons, preventing individuals from acting out their dreams. This paralysis is protective, ensuring that the sleeper remains safe. In contrast to this, other stages like NREM sleep involve slower brain waves, less brain activity, and typically do not include dreaming or rapid eye movements. Light sleep and deep sleep within the NREM spectrum are phases where the body is in a restorative state, and the brain activity is significantly reduced compared to REM sleep, leading to the absence of the typical characteristics associated with REM. Thus, REM sleep is uniquely distinct for its combination of dreaming, eye movement, and muscle atonia.