Proposed Mechanisms of Dreaming Essay -- Biology Essays Research Paper

Proposed Mechanisms of Dreaming New physiological discoveries made in the 1950's linked a particular phase of sleep with dreaming (8). This phase of sleep is known as the REM (rapid eye movement) phase. This newly acquired information spawned refreshed interest in the mechanisms (specifically neurophysiological mechanisms) of dreaming. Validity of the physiological and neurobiological approach to dreaming was supported by certain (current) clinically measured and observed behaviors accompanying REM sleep (8). These behaviors or characteristics include: -phasic clusters of extraocular muscles of the eye producing rapid eye movement -generalized activation of the forebrain (cerebral cortex) -phasic activation of the visual pathway -inhibition of sensory input -suppressed motor activity -activation or inhibition of various brain stem neurons. (5) Many of these behavioral markers associated with REM sleep closely dictate or reflect the dream phenomenon. Although the REM sleep phase and the dream state are closely related, REM sleep is not necessary for dreaming. However the prevalence of dreams are certainly greater in REM sleep (3). Some researchers also contend that REM dreams are uniquely different from those reported in non-REM dreams both in content and quality (11,12). Reports from REM sleep awakenings are typically longer, more vivid, and more emotionally charged than non REM sleep reports (2). Non REM sleep reports also reflect a more thought-like rumination, concerned with realistic, "common place" events (2,4,12). For many researchers, REM dreaming is considered the most elaborate or 'true' form of dreaming, especially with regards to the intense level of activation in the brain (2,4,5). According to Al... ...http://amanda.uams.edu/other/epscor/neuro_rf.html 10)2166 NIA-Basic Clinical Research on Sleep and Wakefulness http://research.utmb.edu/starline/research/starfiles/0692166.htm 11)Brain/Body Activity During Sleep and Dreams http://ipp01.sawka.com/spiritwatch/brain.htm 12)Paradigms of Consciousness During Sleep http://wwwusers.imaginet.fr/~ghibelli/dondega.html 13) Carlson,Neil (1998). Physiology of Behavior: Sixth Edition. Allyn and Bacon. Needham Heights, MA. This paper reflects the research and thoughts of a student at the time the paper was written for a course at Bryn Mawr College. Like other materials on Serendip, it is not intended to be "authoritative" but rather to help others further develop their own explorations. Web links were active as of the time the paper was posted but are not updated. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/serendip/a2z.html