Respiratory rate in REM sleep is

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Multiple Choice

Respiratory rate in REM sleep is

In REM sleep, breathing becomes irregular because autonomic activity is unstable and most chest wall muscles are atoned. The diaphragm remains the main ventilatory driver, but the loss of intercostal tone and phasic bursts of sympathetic activity produce variable tidal volumes and tempo. This combination leads to a breathing pattern that waxes and wanes rather than staying steady. In contrast, non-REM sleep tends to have a regular, stable respiratory rate due to more constant autonomic control and preserved chest wall muscle tone. Therefore, irregular respiratory rate best describes REM sleep.

In REM sleep, breathing becomes irregular because autonomic activity is unstable and most chest wall muscles are atoned. The diaphragm remains the main ventilatory driver, but the loss of intercostal tone and phasic bursts of sympathetic activity produce variable tidal volumes and tempo. This combination leads to a breathing pattern that waxes and wanes rather than staying steady. In contrast, non-REM sleep tends to have a regular, stable respiratory rate due to more constant autonomic control and preserved chest wall muscle tone. Therefore, irregular respiratory rate best describes REM sleep.

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