Question

Which of the following is associated with REM sleep? A. sleep apnea B. somnambulism C. night terrors D. nightmares

Short answer

A) Sleep apnea B) Somnambulism C) Night terrors D) Nightmares Answer: D) Nightmares

Step-by-step solution

Understand REM sleep characteristics

Before analyzing each option, we should first understand what REM sleep is and its characteristics. REM sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and increased heart rate, as well as being the time when we experience vivid dreams.

Analyzing option A - sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. It is not a characteristic of or specifically related to REM sleep, and thus option A is not the correct answer.

Analyzing option B - somnambulism

Somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, is a type of parasomnia that occurs during the deep stages of non-REM sleep, and not during REM sleep. Therefore, option B is not the correct answer.

Analyzing option C - night terrors

Night terrors are a type of parasomnia that occurs during deep non-REM sleep, similar to somnambulism. They are characterized by episodes of intense fear, screaming, and other behaviors. Night terrors are not associated with REM sleep, so option C is not the correct answer.

Analyzing option D - nightmares

Nightmares are vivid and often frightening dreams that can occur during REM sleep. As REM sleep is when the majority of dreaming occurs, nightmares can be considered as associated with REM sleep. Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Conclusion

After analyzing all the options, we can conclude that option D, nightmares, is the phenomenon most associated with REM sleep.