What's better? Deep sleep, or a meditation/dream sleep?

[SaMaster14]

I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on what kind of sleep is the best for your health (mental and physical). There might be a factual/proven theory about which sleep is better, so feel free to educate me on the medical aspects of it all too! haha So basically, is it best to sleep deeply, in which you have no dreams and are 'out like a light' so to speak, or is it better to be in a meditative/dream-like state all night? Usually, when I'm caught in a deep sleep, even if I get enough rest, I will wake up a bit tired. Last night, I was basically caught in a relaxed meditative state, in which I was in and out of waking consciousness and dream consciousness (I was not lucid in my dreams though, I thought they were 'real'). I woke up alert and ready to start my day, but now, as it approaches 3pm, I'm tired and ready for a nap. Any and all comments are appreciated!!

[nina]

Neither is better...you need both. Your body needs slow wave sleep to repair physical damage, day to day wear and tear, and growth...your mind needs REM (in theory) for rebuilding/consolidating neural networks, memory processes, and essential brain rebooting. If you are more physically active then your body will require more deep/slow wave sleep to repair itself than someone who is not active, and will automatically sacrifice REM for the sake of SWS. If you are less active or sleep deprived, your body is more likely to sacrifice SWS and increase your REM period.

[SaMaster14]

Neither is better...you need both. Your body needs slow wave sleep to repair physical damage, day to day wear and tear, and growth...your mind needs REM (in theory) for rebuilding/consolidating neural networks, memory processes, and essential brain rebooting. If you are more physically active then your body will require more deep/slow wave sleep to repair itself than someone who is not active, and will automatically sacrifice REM for the sake of SWS. If you are less active or sleep deprived, your body is more likely to sacrifice SWS and increase your REM period. That definitely makes sense; thanks for the reply!