Expert On Whether Night Shift Workers Can Experience REM Sleep

While there's an enhanced focus on keeping your basic health routine intact such as the habit of sleeping on time or having undergone an REM sleep, the ones that have highest level of difficulty in maintaining are those who end up working late-night shifts across varying industries.

What is the phenomenon called REM sleep?

Dr Salil Bendre, Director, Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai said," REM or Rapid Eye Movement is one of the two main stages of sleep, the other being non-REM sleep."

REM sleep is identified by a spike in brain activity due to dreaming and rapid eye movements. Since the brain activity is similar to when awake, as a precautionary measure, the muscles are temporarily paralysed, to prevent an individual from external movement and possibilities of an injury. REM sleep occurs in cycles throughout the night, starting 90 minutes after you fall asleep and repeating about 4-5 times in a healthy sleep cycle.

Can night-shift workers experience REM sleep?

"Normally, our sleep cycle follows the circadian clock of the body, which is aligned with natural light and dark. However, studies have shown that the sleep cycle also largely depends on various environmental, physical and dietary factor," Dr Salil Bendre said.

"Hence the night shift workers can experience, some REM sleep, even during the day with a fixed sleep schedule, comfortable and dim lit environment and proper diet. Though such sleep may not be as rejuvenating as night sleep, it can be achieved with adequate measures.

"Nonetheless, as the cycles of REM and Non-REM sleep are integral for cognitive functions such as memory retention, emotional stability, problem-solving capabilities, and physiological well-being, it's essential to practice 8 hours of sleep each day, regardless of the timings."

Consequences of not sleeping during night

Those who avoid sleeping at night face will face a heightened risk of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The health concerns also extend to memory problems, and reduced cognitive function, slow reaction time along with a change in circadian rhythm that leads indigestion, mood swings. It also adversely affects people's immune system. However, morning sleep cannot replace the regular benefits of nocturnal sleep due to inherent hormonal mileu of one's body.