Studies show that Rapid Eye Movement sleep (REM Sleep) plays a role in emotional regulation. Potentially by modulating activity in the amygdalae, REM sleep has been found to reduce the intensity of emotional reactions to previous experiences.

REM Sleep and Emotions

Poor sleep quality has already been shown to be associated with difficulties in emotional regulation. Further research brings evidence that this association may be as a result of less REM sleep. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the amygdala becomes increasingly active during REM sleep. This is significant, as the amygdala (amygdalae) are two almond shaped structures that play a role in behavior, emotional control, and learning.

In other words, research suggests that one of our emotion control centers actively processes when we are in REM sleep, and that by not getting enough REM sleep we may be more “emotional”.

How Much REM Sleep Do I Need?

As we age, we spend less and less time in REM sleep. This is critically important, as memory consolidation requires both non-REM and REM sleep. Assuming a 7-9 hour night of sleep. about 20-25% of your sleep time should be REM sleep: 1.5 to 2 hours. REM sleep can easily be tracked with a smartwatch such as the FitBit, Whoop, Aura (ring), or a <$30 alternative found on amazon.

REM Sleep: Conclusion

As we have seen, poor sleep quality has been associated with difficulties in emotional regulation. Not getting enough sleep, especially REM sleep, can be what’s making you act “emotional”. To get enough REM sleep, 1.5 to 2 hours, we recommend going to bed before 11PM, budgeting 7-9 hours of sleep between bedtime and wake-up time, and giving your body the nutrients it needs to support sleep with Dormyx™. How much REM are you getting? Let us know by tagging us on with a story post on Instagram (@myverisoma) and TikTok (@Verisoma)!

Happy sleeping!

Sources:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep

https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5325685/

Article Author: Joseph Peacock, Club Verisoma™ Member from St. Petersburg, FL