REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, and it's one of the five stages of sleep that babies go through. REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and more vivid dreams. During REM sleep, babies are less responsive to external stimuli and are less likely to be awakened.
REM sleep is an important stage of sleep for babies because it helps with brain development and the formation of memories. During REM sleep, the brain is active and working on processing the information and experiences that the baby has had during the day. This stage of sleep is also when the baby's eyes move rapidly in different directions, which is why it's called "Rapid Eye Movement" sleep.
Babies spend more time in REM sleep than adults do, and they cycle through the different stages of sleep more quickly. REM sleep typically makes up about 50% of a baby's sleep time, compared to about 25% for adults.
It's important for babies to get enough REM sleep, as well as the other stages of sleep, in order to have healthy brain development and growth. If your baby is having trouble sleeping, or if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep, it's best to consult with a pediatrician.
