NICI > Publications > 1999 > REM-slaap en dromen
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Reference
Coenen, A.M.L. (1999). REM-slaap en dromen [REM-sleep and dreaming]. In A.Knuisting Neven (Ed.), Modern Sleep Medicine (pp. 67-75). Alphen a/d Rijn: Van Zuiden Commications.
Abstract
The central topic of this paper is the phenomenon of REM sleep. The physiological mechanism of this type of sleep, with main characteristics such as a high brain activity and paradoxical low muscle tone, is explained. The function of REM sleep is discussed, in particular in terms of cognitive and homeostatic actions, but without drawing final conclusions. Arguments are available to consider REM sleep as a third state of consciousness, next to wakefulness and slow wave sleep. It even seems unnecessary to regard REM sleep as belonging to the domain of sleep, giving the fact that in some cases REM sleep can occur interfering with wakefulness. The second theme of the paper is the supposed relationship of REM sleep with dreaming. Based on a number of considerations, the author comes to the conclusion that the essential substrate of a dream is a sufficient activation of the brain, irrespective of its causation. Because high activity always occurs during REM sleep, it looks as if a causal coupling between these phenomena exists. This is denied, however, by the occurrence of dreams during slow wave sleep and by the existence of hypnagogic hallucinations during falling asleep.