Which sleep stage is defined by the absence of rapid eye movements?

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Multiple Choice

Which sleep stage is defined by the absence of rapid eye movements?

The sleep stage without rapid eye movements is NREM sleep. Eye movements are a hallmark that distinguishes REM from other sleep stages: REM sleep features rapid, darting eye movements and a brain pattern similar to wakefulness, with muscle atonia. In NREM sleep, eye movements are absent or minimal, even though brain activity cycles through lighter (N1) to deeper (N2 and N3) stages with progressively slower EEG waves. Awake, of course, shows wakeful EEG patterns with open eyes or other cues of being awake. So the absence of rapid eye movements signals NREM rather than REM or wakefulness.

The sleep stage without rapid eye movements is NREM sleep. Eye movements are a hallmark that distinguishes REM from other sleep stages: REM sleep features rapid, darting eye movements and a brain pattern similar to wakefulness, with muscle atonia. In NREM sleep, eye movements are absent or minimal, even though brain activity cycles through lighter (N1) to deeper (N2 and N3) stages with progressively slower EEG waves. Awake, of course, shows wakeful EEG patterns with open eyes or other cues of being awake. So the absence of rapid eye movements signals NREM rather than REM or wakefulness.

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