Sleep occurs in stages that cycle throughout the night. Non-REM stages 1-4 involve light, then deeper sleep. REM sleep involves vivid dreaming. Disorders like insomnia prevent restful sleep, while sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing. Nightmares occur in REM sleep and involve fear, while night terrors happen in non-REM sleep with screaming but no memory. Lack of sleep can impair function and has contributed to disasters.