Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

• A. Rapid eye movements and vivid dreaming commonly occur during REM sleep.
• B. REM sleep is the stage in which sleepwalking most often occurs.
• C. Muscle tone is increased and voluntary movements are frequent during REM sleep.
• D. Heart rate and breathing become slower and more regular during REM sleep.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is one of the stages of the sleep cycle characterized by specific physiological and psychological features.
2. Recall that during REM sleep, rapid movements of the eyes occur beneath closed eyelids, which is a distinctive marker of this stage.
3. Recognize that vivid dreaming is most commonly associated with REM sleep, as brain activity during this stage resembles wakefulness.
4. Note that muscle tone is actually very low during REM sleep, leading to temporary paralysis of voluntary muscles, which prevents acting out dreams.
5. Remember that heart rate and breathing during REM sleep tend to be irregular and variable, not slower and more regular as in deep non-REM sleep stages.