Dreaming occurs during a process known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The name comes from the physical movement of our eyes while experiencing dreams. During these bouts of REM sleep, of which there are four to six per night, brain activity changes and causes paralysis in our muscles. This normal effect of REM sleep is what’s known as muscle
atonia, and it’s designed to keep humans from injuring themselves in their sleep. However, sometimes a person’s muscles still retain function during REM sleep and can cause a person to act out their dreams. This is known as REM sleep behavior disorder, and can be a real danger to the dreamer, or in some cases, the dreamer’s partner.
The reverse is also possible, as sleep paralysis occurs when someone wakes from REM sleep only to discover that they can’t move their body or speak. Both of these sleep disorders (along with many others) are types of parasomnias.
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