Proposed Mechanisms of Dreaming Essay -- Biology Essays Research Paper

Proposed Mechanisms of DreamingNew physiological discoveries made in the 1950s linked a particular phase of sleep with daydreaming (8). This phase of sleep is know as the rapid eye movement (rapid affectionateness movement) phase. This newly acquired information spawned refreshed participation 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 attach to rapid eye movement sleep sleep (8). These behaviors or characteristics include -phasic clusters of extraocular muscles of the eye producing rapid eye movement-generalized activation of the fore mindset (cerebral cortex)-phasic activation of the visual pathway-inhibition of arresting input-suppressed motor activity-activation or inhibition of various brain stem neurons. (5) Many of these behavioral markers associated with REM sleep closely grade or bounce the dream phenomenon. Although the REM sleep phase and the dream state are closely related, REM sleep is not inevitable for dreaming. However the prevalence of dreams are certainly greater in REM sleep (3). Some exploreers also contend that REM dreams are uniquely different from those reported in non-REM dreams both in content and bore (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 longing level of activation in the brain (2,4,5). According to Al... ...http//amanda.uams.edu/other/epscor/neuro_rf.html10)2166 NIA-Basic clinical Research on Sleep and Wakefulnesshttp//research.utmb.edu/starline/research/starfiles/0692166.htm11)Brain/Body practise During Sleep and Dreamshttp//ipp01.sawka.com/spiritwatch/brain.htm12)Paradigms of Consciousness During Sleephttp//wwwusers.imaginet.fr/ghibelli/dondega.html13) Carlson,Neil (1998). Physiology of Behavior Sixth Edition. Allyn and Bacon. Needham Heights, MA. This piece 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 intend to be authoritative but rather to help others further soften 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