During which stage of sleep is thermoregulation most impaired, making the body functionally poikilothermic?
- A REM sleep ✓
- B NREM stage N2
- C NREM stage N3
- D NREM stage N1
Correct answer: A. REM sleep
Explanation
During REM sleep, thermoregulation is largely suspended, and the body becomes functionally poikilothermic, unable to maintain core temperature in response to thermal challenges. This is due to inhibition of thermoregulatory mechanisms in the hypothalamus. NREM sleep preserves thermoregulatory responses.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.