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Hypnagogic (Predormital): This happens while you are falling asleep. As your body relaxes, your mind remains conscious, noticing that your voluntary muscles are already shutting down.
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Hypnopompic (Postdormital): This occurs upon waking up. During the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep, your brain actively dreams while keeping your muscles immobilized. If you wake up before the REM cycle finishes, your mind regains awareness before your body regains mobility.
The Biological Mechanism: Why the Body Shuts Down
To understand why this immobility occurs, it helps to take a closer look at the architecture of human rest cycles. The body alternates between Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) states.
The Role of REM Aton
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