Quiz 2
Essay Question 1:
REM sleep is called paradoxical sleep because in this stage of sleep two things occur in the body that
are opposite of each other. During REM sleep there is increased brain activity and most of the
voluntary muscles become paralyzed. What makes this interesting is the fact that during this time
brain activity is at a level similar to when we are awake, while the body is at it’s most sound or still
state.
REM sleep consists of rapid eye movement and it is said that this is for the purposes of dreaming. The
dreams that take place during REM sleep are move vivid and memorable than in other sleep cycles.
The purpose of REM sleep could possibly be to control the body during this cycle in depth dreaming.
It could be a protection method from acting on what’s taking place in the dream. If the body was had
the ability to be as active as the brain was during REM sleep, that could be dangerous if your not
