An inactive state resembling deep sleep in which certain animals living in cold climates pass the winter. In hibernation, the body temperature is lowered and breathing and heart rates slow down. Hibernation protects the animal from cold and reduces the need for food during the season when food is scarce. Compare estivation.
Does Dreaming Indicate a Good Nightâs Sleep? Dreams are typically indicative of a good nightâs sleep, demonstrating that you have passed through the light sleeping phase (NREM) and entered into a deep sleep (REM).
Normal sleep contains periods of REM (rapid eye movement-dream sleep) during which the brain stem inhibits, or turns off, the motor neurons in our spinal column, preventing any movement except for the eyes. Normally, this only occurs during dream sleep. The apparent reason for sleep paralysis is our safety.