What is REM rebound?

REM rebound refers to the phenomenon in which a person who has been deprived of REM sleep experiences an increased amount of REM sleep during subsequent sleep periods.

This can occur after someone has been sleep deprived, or after taking medications or substances that suppress REM sleep.

During REM rebound, the person may have more vivid and intense dreams, and may also experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia or nightmares.

REM rebound is thought to be a compensatory mechanism that helps the brain to restore the balance of sleep stages and to maintain normal brain function.