Your Brain Needs REM: How to Get More of It Every Night!
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep makes up about 20–25% of total sleep, translating to roughly 90 minutes in a typical 7–8 hour night. 
During REM, your brain is highly active: dreaming, consolidating memory, and reducing emotional reactivity. 
It’s also vital for creativity and mental resilience. 
Adults who get less REM may notice fogginess, memory lapses, or mood swings as a result.

7 Evidence‑Based Strategies to Boost REM Sleep

Aim for 7–9 Hours in Bed

REM sleep tends to increase in the later sleep cycles. Getting at least 7 hours in bed—ideally more—means more REM opportunities in the second half of the night.

Take Magnesium

Supplementing with magnesium (such as citrate) supports the neurotransmitter GABA, which in turn helps increase REM. Studies show older adults saw longer REM periods and faster sleep onset when taking magnesium.

Limit Alcohol 

Even a few drinks can delay onset of REM and reduce overall REM minutes.  To preserve REM, avoid alcohol, especially in the evening.

Use Calming Scents

Soothing aromas using authentic essential oils—like lavender, chamomile, rose, and vanilla—help prep the nervous system for restorative sleep. Diffuse or apply topically before bed to potentially increase REM and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Get Natural Light (and Avoid Blue Light at Night)

Exposure to daylight boosts sleep-wake regulation. Aim for 30–40 minutes outside in the morning, and dim blue light at least two hours before bed using blackout shades or low-light lamps.

Avoid Caffeine Late in the Day

Caffeine can shift your sleep architecture—pushing REM earlier and delaying deep sleep. Consider stopping caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime—or switch to decaf after midday.

Keep Your Bedroom Cool

REM sleep can be disrupted by overheating. Use a room temperature between 60–67°F, lightweight bedding, and breathable fabrics like linen or bamboo to maintain an optimal cool environment.

Enhancing REM with Young Living Products

Deep Night Essence™ & Super Magnesium

Deep Night Essence is a supplement that combines botanical extracts like spearmint and green tea, along with lavender, to promote relaxation without melatonin.
  • Night Blend: Spearmint and green tea extracts
    • promote more restful sleep*
  • Holy basil and lemon balm extracts
    • support the body’s natural response to stress*
  • Lavender essential oil
    • supports sleep quality during occasional restlessness*
  • Spearmint essential oil
    • supports overall wellness*
Super Magnesium

  • Supports over 300 functions in the body, including a calm nervous system, healthy organ function, restful sleep, and metabolic health*
  • Inhibits oxidative stress*
  • Contains melon juice concentrate to increase magnesium efficiency in the body and reduce oxidative stress and fatigue*
  • Decreases physical fatigue while supporting an active lifestyle and normal energy levels*
  • Vegetarian and vegan friendly


Freedom Sleep™ Collection

Includes the AromaSleep™ blend and Freedom™ synergy oil, designed to diffuse or apply topically as part of a bedtime wind-down routine.

Young Living Frankincense Essential Oil

Ideal for calming nighttime tension, and synergizing with magnesium or aromatic therapies to support REM sleep.

To weave these into your nightly routine: take Deep Night Essence and Super Magnesium per instructions, and finish with AromaSleep or a few drops of Lavender or Frankincense on pulse points to anchor relaxation before lights out.  Diffusing Lavender and Cedarwood is a great sleep option.

REM Sleep Checklist

Habit / Product

How It Supports REM
7–9 hours in bed
Provides more cycles with REM opportunities
Magnesium / Deep Night Essence
Supports GABA neurotransmission for REM deepening
Avoid alcohol
Prevents REM suppression
Lavender, Frankincense, Cedarwood
Reduces pre-sleep anxiety and promotes calm
Morning daylight + blackout at night
Regulates circadian rhythm for better REM timing
Limit caffeine after midday
Avoids REM disruption and fragmented sleep
Cool bedtime environment
Minimizes brief awakenings and preserves REM

Closing Thoughts

REM sleep is essential—not just for feeling rested, but for emotional balance, memory, and creative thinking. Combined with Young Living products like Deep Night Essence and Super Magnesium, with essential oils, you can craft a nighttime ritual that supports deeper, more restorative sleep. 

Start small: maybe try the Deep Night Essence and Super Magnesium and see how you feel. Over time, you’ll build a personalized routine that supports better rest and brighter days.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

People often ask me what my favorite YL products are. That really depends on many factors— what may be my favorite today could be different than yesterday, depending on what’s going on in my life. But if you’d like to know the Young Living products I absolutely use every single day, click the button below for My Daily Favorites!

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Hey there! I'm so glad you found me! I'm Jacqueline McLaughlin, and today I am blessed to be thriving in retirement, filling my heart, mind and time with the things I love most.  For me, this looks like time spent with family, long walks in nature, pouring time into painting animal portraits, and thriving while living well naturally.

I empower women to take control of their wellness and create a life of vitality by making small changes with big impacts, and focusing specifically on their unique needs using state-of-the-art technology. 

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