What is the reason why REM sleep is referred to as paradoxical sleep?
A) The neurons in the central nervous system reverse polarity and thus reverse the charges of the action and resting potentials during REM sleep. This reversal is "undone" when we shift into NREM sleep.
B) The restorative purpose of sleep is actually reversed during REM sleep, and it drains rather than restores our energy stores.
C) The muscles of the body remain relaxed even though the brain is very active.
D) During REM sleep, the EEG activity in our brain suggests that we start at stage 4 and go backward to stage 1 sleep. During NREM sleep, we start at stage 1 and go up to stage 4 sleep.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

REM sleep is referred to as paradoxical sleep because the muscles of the body remain relaxed during this stage, despite the brain being very active. This is paradoxical because during other stages of sleep, the muscles are typically either completely relaxed or actively moving during sleep.

What Is the Reason Why REM Sleep Is Referred to as Paradoxical