Question

As the sleep cycle evolves through the night, people tend to: A. spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep. B. spend more time in NREM sleep and less time in REM sleep. C. spend a more or less equal amount of time in REM sleep and NREM sleep. D. spend more time in stage 4 sleep and less time in REM sleep.

Short answer

Question: As the night progresses, people tend to: A. spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep. B. spend more time in NREM sleep and less time in REM sleep. C. spend a more or less equal amount of time in REM sleep and NREM sleep. D. spend more time in stage 4 sleep and less time in REM sleep. Answer: A. spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding REM and NREM Sleep

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is characterized by rapid eye movement, paralysis of voluntary muscles, and dreams. NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep includes the other stages of sleep and is characterized by the slowing down of brain activity.

Studying the Sleep Cycle

A sleep cycle typically lasts around 90 minutes, with each cycle containing different stages of sleep. The sleep cycle begins with NREM sleep, followed by REM sleep. As the night progresses, the duration of REM sleep increases, and the duration of NREM sleep decreases.

Analyzing the Given Options

A. spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep. B. spend more time in NREM sleep and less time in REM sleep. C. spend a more or less equal amount of time in REM sleep and NREM sleep. D. spend more time in stage 4 sleep and less time in REM sleep.

Identify the Correct Option

Based on our understanding of the sleep cycle and how it evolves through the night, we can conclude that people tend to spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep as the night progresses. The correct option is: A. spend more time in REM sleep and less time in NREM sleep.