REM Sleep: It's About Eyes, Not Dreams

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Recent discussions highlight emerging research suggesting that REM sleep may not be the sole phase during which dreaming occurs. New findings indicate that REM sleep might serve primarily physiological functions rather than being directly tied to the dreaming process. The pons, a brain region, is identified as a key player in controlling REM sleep; damage to this area can disrupt REM without affecting dreaming. Conversely, damage to the frontal lobe can halt dreams while still allowing REM activity. This evidence points to a potential causal relationship between REM sleep and dreaming, rather than a mutually dependent one, challenging traditional views on the connection between these two phenomena.
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Apparently they have been coming up with new information in the past few years that indicates REM sleep is not actually the only time we dream during sleep, nor does it seem to be the result of dreaming. This particular article makes an interesting case for the rapid eye mevement having a purely physiological (non-psychological) function:

[Journal:Spring:98] REM: It's About Eyes, Not Dreams
Address:http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/news/journal/journal-o/archives/jour_v18no2_0006.html
 
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I haven't read this whole paper, but it looks quite interesting:

DREAMING AND REM SLEEP ARE CONTROLLED BY DIFFERENT BRAIN MECHANISMS
Address:http://goodelyfe.healingwell.com/dreams/REM art.htm

His main point seems to be that REM is controlled by a part of the brain called the pons which, if damaged can cease REM activity in a person without ceasing their dreams. Conversely, certain kind of frontal lobe damage can stop people's dreams without stopping rapid eye movement.

It may be that the link between REM and dreams is casual, rather than mutually dependent.
 
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link: http://goodelyfe.healingwell.com/dreams/REM%20art.htm

(fixed from above)
 
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Originally posted by firefly
link: http://goodelyfe.healingwell.com/dreams/REM%20art.htm

(fixed from above)
Thanks, ƒireƒly. I forgot to check if it worked.
 
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