The Importance of REM Sleep

Apparently, Michael Jackson’s use of the drug propofol in the final weeks before his death was preventing him from achieving REM sleep.  REM sleep has been shown to play a vital role in refreshing the brain and body.  Without REM sleep, a person can become anxious, depressed, and paranoid.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, we spend about 25% of our sleep in the REM cycle, which begins about 90 minutes after falling asleep and recurs about every 90 minutes.  Not only does REM sleep serve a restorative function for brain cells, it also helps with optimal performance during waking hours.

Read the full article here:  Losing Out on REM Sleep?