Which stage of sleep is suppressed by antidepressants?

The correct answer is that antidepressants are known to suppress REM sleep. This stage of sleep is characterized by rapid eye movement and is closely associated with increased brain activity, vivid dreaming, and emotional regulation. Antidepressants, particularly those that affect serotonin and norepinephrine levels, can alter sleep architecture and lead to a decrease in the amount of time spent in REM sleep.

This suppression can be significant because REM sleep plays an essential role in memory consolidation and emotional processing. Therefore, when REM sleep is reduced, it can impact these cognitive functions negatively, which is an important consideration for healthcare providers managing patients on antidepressant medications.

While NREM sleep comprises various stages, including Stage 1 and Stage 2, these stages do not experience the same level of suppression as REM. Thus, while antidepressants may affect overall sleep quality and structure, it is specifically the REM stage that shows the most notable suppression in response to these medications.