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REM Sleep Latency

Meaning

REM sleep latency is a key objective measure in polysomnography, defined as the time interval, in minutes, elapsed from the initiation of sleep to the first occurrence of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This metric serves as a vital clinical indicator of the efficiency and temporal organization of the sleep architecture. An abnormally short REM latency is a classic diagnostic marker for specific neurological conditions, such as narcolepsy, and can also be observed in severe depressive disorders, reflecting a profound disruption in sleep regulation.