Paradoxical sleep was so called because

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Paradoxical sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is termed so because, despite the sleeper being in a deep sleep state, the EEG (electroencephalogram) tracings show patterns similar to those of an awake and alert person. This creates a paradox where the individual is asleep yet exhibits brain activity resembling wakefulness.  During this final stage of sleep when we begin to dream, the EEG pattern resembles an awake pattern, and because we are truly asleep, not awake, it was considered a paradox.

Paradoxical Sleep Was So Called Because