Sleep is a fundamental, restorative state where the body and mind recover through distinct cycles, including REM and non-REM stages. During sleep, you are generally unaware of your surroundings and experience essential physiological processes that support health and well-being. In contrast, trance is an altered state of consciousness intentionally induced for purposes such as relaxation, meditation, or therapeutic work. In a trance, you maintain some level of awareness of your environment but experience changes in perception and focus. Unlike sleep, trance involves active engagement with mental processes rather than a complete loss of external awareness.