Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

sleep onset REM period

Also written as: SOREMP — sleep onset REM period

Occurrence of REM sleep within 15 minutes of sleep onset, considered abnormal and suggestive of narcolepsy.

Full Definition

A sleep onset REM period (SOREMP) is defined as the occurrence of REM sleep within 15 minutes of sleep onset during polysomnography or multiple sleep latency testing. SOREMPs are considered pathological as normal sleep typically requires 60-90 minutes before the first REM episode. The presence of two or more SOREMPs on MSLT, combined with a mean sleep latency of 8 minutes or less, is a key diagnostic criterion for narcolepsy. SOREMPs may also occur in other conditions such as sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders, or certain medications, making clinical correlation essential.

Usage

Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as SOREMP. Capitalize REM in all contexts.

In Context

"The MSLT showed three sleep onset REM periods, supporting a diagnosis of narcolepsy." — Sleep study interpretation
"A SOREMP was noted during the overnight polysomnography in addition to the daytime findings." — Comprehensive sleep evaluation

Also known as

SOREMP

Contrasted with

normal REM latency

Don't confuse with

REM latency REM rebound

sleep onset REM episodes ← Back to glossary sleep paralysis