The two types of sleep

Sleep involves cycles of two different types of sleep: rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. We can measure these using Electroencephalography (EEG).

In this video we look at the different physiological changes that occur during both rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. We also highlight the importance of sleep for young children.

Conversation starter

On average, infants need twice as much sleep, if not more, than adults do. Children also need more rapid eye movement sleep than adults do.

• Why do you think this is the case?