What is a common effect of missing REM sleep on subsequent nights?

Missing REM sleep typically results in an increase in REM sleep on subsequent nights, a phenomenon known as REM rebound. When an individual is deprived of REM sleep, the brain attempts to compensate for this loss during the following sleep cycles. This compensation is reflected in a higher proportion of time spent in REM sleep when sleep is resumed, as the body prioritizes this stage of sleep to recover from the deficiency.

This adaptive response highlights the importance of REM sleep for cognitive functions such as memory and emotional processing, as well as for overall mental health. Such compensatory increases help restore balance to the sleep cycle, demonstrating how the body seeks to maintain homeostasis in its sleep architecture. This effect illustrates the intricate relationship between different sleep stages and the physiological necessity of REM sleep for overall well-being.