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Stages of Sleep

Table of Contents


Overview

The sleep cycle is divided into two main stages: non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) and rapid eye movement (REM).

Non-REM sleep

Non–rapid eye movement sleep has three stages:

REM sleep

Most dreaming happens during REM sleep. During REM sleep:

During sleep, a person usually progresses through the 3 stages of non-REM sleep before entering REM sleep. This takes about 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. The sleep cycle is usually repeated about 4 to 6 times each night.


Credits for Stages of Sleep

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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