REM Sleep: The Dream Stage of Your Nightly Recovery

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is one of the five stages of the sleep cycle, but it's where the real magic happens. It's named for the quick, random movements of your eyes during this phase, even though the rest of your body is pretty much paralyzed (which is good, because you’d act out your dreams otherwise). REM sleep is the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs, and it plays a key role in cognitive functions like memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and even problem-solving.

Throughout the night, you cycle through different stages of sleep: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM. REM sleep first occurs about 90 minutes after you fall asleep and repeats several times throughout the night, with each REM phase lasting longer as the night progresses. By morning, REM sleep can make up around 20-25% of your total sleep.

So now that you know how important REM sleep is, the question becomes: how can you get more of it? Fortunately, there are several science-backed strategies you can implement to optimize your sleep for more REM.

1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule

Your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) thrives on consistency. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your sleep cycle, including REM sleep. If you’re all over the place with your sleep schedule, your body won’t know when to hit those deep, restful REM stages.

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Winding down before bed is crucial for signaling to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Turn off your screens at least 30 minutes before bed (blue light messes with your melatonin levels), read a book, or practice some deep breathing exercises to help relax.

3. Manage Stress

Stress is one of the biggest REM disruptors. If your mind is racing before bed, chances are you’re going to miss out on those essential REM stages. Meditation, journaling, or light yoga can help ease your mind and improve your sleep quality.

4. Incorporate Sleep-Enhancing Nutrients

This is where 8hours comes into play. 8hours is an all-natural sleep supplement designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and enhance the quality of your REM sleep. It contains:

• Magnesium Bisglycinate: This highly absorbable form of magnesium helps calm your nervous system and reduces muscle tension, making it easier for you to relax and drift into sleep.
• L-Theanine: Known for its calming effects, L-theanine promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety without causing drowsiness. This means you’ll fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your REM sleep.
• Apigenin: A natural compound found in chamomile, apigenin works by reducing stress and anxiety, helping you achieve deeper sleep cycles, including REM.
• Myo-Inositol: This ingredient supports brain health by balancing neurotransmitters, which plays a role in helping you stay in REM sleep longer.
• Tart Cherry Extract: Rich in natural melatonin, tart cherry extract helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to not only fall asleep but also stay in REM sleep for a longer duration.

8hours works synergistically to improve the overall structure of your sleep cycles, including REM sleep. Here’s how:

• Fall Asleep Faster: With L-theanine and apigenin reducing anxiety and stress, you’ll fall asleep quicker, giving your body more time to hit those critical REM phases.
• Stay Asleep Longer: Magnesium bisglycinate helps promote relaxation and reduces nighttime awakenings, ensuring you get those uninterrupted cycles of REM sleep.
• Better Sleep Quality: The blend of tart cherry extract and myo-inositol helps regulate your circadian rhythm, supporting both deep and REM sleep phases, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and recharged.

REM sleep is vital for mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Without it, you’re not just missing out on vivid dreams—you’re sacrificing essential brain functions that keep you sharp and emotionally grounded.

To optimize your REM sleep, focus on building a consistent sleep schedule, reducing stress before bed, and incorporating high-quality, science-backed supplements like 8hours. By supporting your brain and body with the right nutrients, 8hours helps you get more REM sleep, so you wake up feeling recharged, focused, and ready to take on the day.

Ready for better REM? Sweet dreams start with 8hours!