There is no single "best" type of sleep, as both REM sleep and deep sleep are crucial for overall health and well-being. While REM sleep is often associated with the mind and cognitive functions, deep sleep is all about physical restoration and health. A balanced cycle of both is essential for feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
- REM sleep is the stage of sleep where most vivid dreams occur. This stage plays a vital role in memory consolidation and emotional processing.
- Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, is characterized by slow brain waves and reduced muscle activity. During this stage, your body repairs and rebuilds tissues, strengthens your immune system, and releases growth hormones.
The optimal amount of each sleep stage varies depending on individual needs and factors like age. Typically, about 70% of your sleep should be deep sleep, with approximately 25% being the deepest stage.
Therefore, it's more accurate to consider the ideal type of sleep as a balanced cycle of REM and deep sleep, rather than choosing one over the other.