How to determine an accurate REM Sleep Stage?

[deltonabill]

As a Retired Respiratory Therapist and Sleep Tech, I question how could it be possible to determine an accurate REM?

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @deltonabill. Welcome to the community forums. 

Thank you for the detailed information. Regarding your question, I'd like to let you know that the benchmark in the Fitbit App is based on published data and shows how your sleep stage estimates from the previous night compare to the averages of others who are the same age range and sex (source). In the graph, the typical range for each sleep stage is shown as the shaded area between the two horizontal lines. Keep in mind sleep cycles vary naturally, and you’ll likely see your sleep data fall outside the typical ranges at times. Another way to analyze your sleep stages is to compare your data from last night to your own 30 day average (under the 30 Day Avg tab), as your sleep patterns may vary over time. 

Also, take into consideration that the first phase of REM sleep typically occurs after you’ve had an initial stage of deep sleep. You generally stay in REM sleep for a longer period of time during sleep cycles occurring in the second half of the night. During this final stage of sleep, your brain becomes more active. Dreams mainly occur during REM sleep, and your eyes move quickly in different directions. Heart rate increases and breathing becomes more irregular. In principle, muscles below the neck are inactive to avoid acting out dreams.

For more information on sleep stages, see our blog posts REM, Light, Deep: How Much of Each Stage of Sleep Are You Getting? and Your Heart Rate Is the Key to Smarter Sleep Stages. Here’s Why. For additional sleep information including tips for feeling rested, visit the Fitbit blog.

At this time, this is the only available information for Sleep Stages. 

Hope this helps.