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Multiple Choice

Skeletal muscle tone in NREM sleep is

Skeletal muscle tone during sleep varies by stage, and the key idea is that REM sleep produces almost complete muscle atonia while NREM sleep does not. In NREM sleep, the brainstem mechanisms that suppress motor activity during dreaming are not activated, so most skeletal muscles retain baseline tone. This preserved tone means the body can maintain posture and reflex control, and you may still experience normal movement patterns during lighter NREM stages. In contrast, REM sleep features near-total loss of skeletal muscle tone to prevent acting out dreams. That’s why the statement that muscle tone is preserved in NREM sleep best fits.

Skeletal muscle tone during sleep varies by stage, and the key idea is that REM sleep produces almost complete muscle atonia while NREM sleep does not. In NREM sleep, the brainstem mechanisms that suppress motor activity during dreaming are not activated, so most skeletal muscles retain baseline tone. This preserved tone means the body can maintain posture and reflex control, and you may still experience normal movement patterns during lighter NREM stages. In contrast, REM sleep features near-total loss of skeletal muscle tone to prevent acting out dreams. That’s why the statement that muscle tone is preserved in NREM sleep best fits.