The Mind in Sleep

How Sleep Works: Understanding the Science of Sleep

It is believed that deep sleep plays an important role in recuperation of the body as well as effective thinking and memory. Stage 4 is the only stage of REM sleep . During this time, brain activity picks up significantly, and most of the body — except the eyes and breathing muscles — experience temporary paralysis.

Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep | National Institute of Neurological …

Sleep is important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other. In fact, your brain and body stay remarkably active while you sleep . Recent findings suggest that sleep plays a housekeeping role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake.