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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: The Biology of Sleep & Your Unique Sleep Needs

Huberman Lab

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The Paradox of Muscle Inactivity During REM Sleep

During REM sleep, although muscles are temporarily paralyzed, the brain remains highly active. Just before entering REM sleep, there is increased brain activity to light up the cortex, while simultaneously, a signal is sent from the brain stem to inhibit voluntary skeletal muscles. However, this inhibition does not affect involuntary muscles such as those responsible for breathing and heart function, ensuring our survival. Despite this muscle paralysis during REM sleep, the extraocular muscles and another unknown set of voluntary muscles still retain movement for reasons yet to be understood.

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