REM Sleep in Other Species: The Key to Understanding Dreams

REM Sleep in Other Species: The Key to Understanding Dreams

        On October 5th, 2021, Dr. Karen Konkoly presented her recently-published study on “Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep” (Konkoly et al., 2021). Konkoly explained that the goal of the study was to learn whether the possibility of real-time communication by dreamers could be achieved without “fragmentary and distorted” reports (Konkoly et al., 2021). Konkoly mentioned that dreamers often cannot accurately remember or describe dreams well once awake. In the study, dreamers were given easy mathematical or yes-no questions for “...proof of concept demonstration...” and then given more challenging questions in which answers were recorded through eye or facial movements (Konkoly et al., 2021). This experiment introduced “electrophysiological signals” to communicate dreams in real-time, a phenomenon that once wasn’t believed to be possible until studies like this one (Konkoly et al., 2021).
        Four subjects from varying countries were gathered in Konkoly’s lab to participate in this successful experiment. She explained the unique sleeping shifts of the participants and the researchers, stressing the importance of researchers being able to stay awake for the entirety of the participant’s long sleeping session. Sleep sessions would generally begin early in the morning when a REM cycle was more likely to occur. The dreaming subjects represented a diverse group of sleepers. One of the subjects had been previously diagnosed with narcolepsy and another reported having only had two lucid dreams in their whole life (Konkoly et al., 2021). It’s interesting to consider the possibility of completely different results that the study may have produced had the participants reported never experiencing lucid dreams or reported experiencing lucid dreams frequently. Is it possible that the hearing abilities of the participants also factored into their lucid dreaming experiences? Could an experiment with children compared to one with senior citizens produce entirely different results considering that senior citizens tend to have more difficulty hearing?
        Konkoly reported that there were a total of four research groups that each utilized slightly different protocols (Konkoly et al., 2021). Since the study was rather complicated, is it possible that having multiple research groups could have caused potential discrepancies in the results? Regardless, the purpose of the study was to better understand if dreamers could experience lucid dreaming and communicate their dreams in real-time - and this was achieved. Any discrepancy in the data would likely not affect the current study, but possibly more in-depth studies later down the line. Konkoly also reported that dreamers later explained that signals were received “...as if coming from outside the dream or superimposed over the dream” (Konkoly et al., 2021). Since the interpretation of signals will differ for all subjects and hinge on their hearing ability and past psychological conditioning, the volume of a researcher’s voice might affect the way a signal is interpreted. A participant with good hearing may be better equipped to interpret the researcher’s voice and thus respond with more accurate non-verbal responses. Konkoly’s research reveals that REM sleep is not only a common occurrence that opens many doors for learning more about the purpose of dreams and brain functions but can be explored further to allow lucid dreaming and real-time communication with dreamers. But can this be studied in all species? Is REM sleep a necessity for other animals? Can lucid dreaming and real-time communication be achieved with other species if they have a general understanding of animal-to-human communication?
        In the Nature Editorial “Fur seals can go weeks without REM sleep”, writer Alex Fox describes that northern fur seals “can forgo rapid eye movement sleep for up to two weeks while at sea with no visible hardship” (Fox, 2018). It is well known that REM sleep is the “brain’s most active sleep phase” and is “associated with learning and processing memories” (Fox, 2018). However, new research suggests that REM sleep also plays a major role in “regulating brain temperature” according to “Current Biology” (Fox, 2018). It was reported that northern fur seals generally experience “little to no REM sleep” when in water but didn’t seem to be “deprived” of it at all (Fox, 2018).
        Research has shown that “the brain is warmer” during REM sleep or “when an animal is awake”, pointing to the theory that the “REM phase kicks in to keep the seals' brain from getting too cold” when sleeping in the water since half of a seal’s brain is awake and warm when in water (Fox, 2018). Since fur seals do not experience this on land, they have intermittent cycles of non-REM and REM sleep consistently. This theory is still being debated, as it’s possible that “the loss of REM sleep could have negative effects that aren’t easily noticed” in this species” and/or “tasks performed during REM sleep could be taken care of during non-REM phases” (Fox, 2018). This study is unique in that it focuses on fur seals specifically and gives an in-depth hypothesis for why fur seals may not need REM sleep the same way humans do.

         Konkoly’s mission was to establish real-time communication with humans during dreams to better understand what dreams humans have and possibly why they have them. Could the REM cycle habits of fur seals help unlock the secrets behind REM sleep and the functions involved in REM cycles? Could REM sleep truly be tied to brain temperature? Is it connected to brain temperature regulation in humans, too? How do REM sleep needs and capability differ across species and could Konkoly’s lab repeat similar studies to understand dreams during REM sleep for animals other than humans? REM sleep experiments testing the habits of numerous species could be the key to understanding why animals dream - a question that has plagued many researchers since Sigmund Freud’s initial theory about dreams as repressed desires.

References 

Fox, A. (2018, June 7). Fur seals can go weeks without REM sleep. Nature Editorial. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05353-0?error=cookies_not_supported&code=500850cf-de3c-4d0f-8b94-bad2ab41458f

Konkoly, K., Appel, K., Chabani, E., Mironov, A. Y., Mangiaruga, A., Gott, J., Mallett, R., Caughran, B., Witkowski, S., Whitmore, N., Berent, J., Weber, F., Pipa, G., Türker, B., Maranci, J. B., Sinin, A., Dorokhov, V., Arnulf, I., Oudiette, D., Paller, K. (2021, April 12). Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. ScienceDirect. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982221000592?via%3Dihub

Clinical Applications of Lucid Dreaming and REM Sleep

    The neuropsychology behind dreaming consists of many unknown influences and constructs that have sparked the interest of contemporary researchers. When we think about dreaming, we often think of make-believe scenarios and stories of our unleashed imaginations. Lucid dreaming, however, is a particular type of dreaming in which a person is consciously aware of their presence in the dream. This is mainly attributed to rapid eye-movement (REM), which is a sleep stage associated with increased brain activity and deep relaxation. REM sleep and lucid dreaming have been shown to allow for the possibility of two-way communication and interaction while asleep. This particular phenomenon is especially difficult to study because of the difficulty stimulating lucid dreams, and determining their validity. However, researchers have been able to make groundbreaking insights on the ability to induce lucid dreaming and the possible implications it may have. 

    Associations between REM sleep and real-time communication during lucid dreaming were researched by Konkoly et al. in their REM sleep study. Researchers induced REM sleep in participants who ranged in their prior experience with lucid dreaming, as well as patients with narcolepsy. In this study, researchers found that two-way communication during REM sleep is evident in participants' ability to compute mathematical operations, answer yes-or-no questions, or discriminate visual stimuli (Konkoly et al.). Successful communication during lucid dreaming is evidence of higher level neural activation, and the fine line between the outside world and our consciousness. 

    Though the possible implications of lucid dreaming can be revolutionary, there is an experimental limitation regarding the induction of lucidity. Konkoly et al. discuss many researchers attempts to stimulating lucidity, such as electrical and magnetic cortical stimulation and various auditory cues. In a research article by LaBerge et al., the researchers study the possibility of using acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) for cortical stimulation in attempts to increase the frequency of lucid dreaming. This particular experiment used varying doses of the AChEI, galantamine, and mnemonic induction of lucid dreams to measure participants' dream recall and cognitive clarity (LaBerge et al.). The induction of lucidity is helpful in increasing one's awareness during REM sleep, however, its implications regarding degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Dementia are astounding. Lucidity, in terms of these conditions, is the phenomenon in which a patient with a degenerative memory condition suddenly becomes alert and clear-headed (Chan). Consequently enough, the AChEI, galantamine, is a drug used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. 

    There are a plethora of limitations in truly understanding the implicit nature of the brain, but increasing interest in these constructs are pushing us in the right direction. Taking a concept such as dreaming, and breaking it down to a molecular level of understanding helps researchers draw out clinical implications. The findings regarding lucid dreaming and REM sleep and their application to degenerative diseases can also be further studied to be able to extend out to clinical treatments for varying conditions. 

References:

Chan, Noreen. “Before the Light Fades: Terminal Lucidity and Other End-of-Life Experiences.” Medicine.nus.edu.sg, https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/newsletters/issue34/insights/before-the-light-fades-terminal-lucidity-and-other-end-of-life-experiences/. 

Konkoly, K. R., Appel, K., Chabani, E., Oudiette, D., Dresler, M., & Paller, K. A. (2021, 2 18). Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. Current Biology, 31(7), 1417-1427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.026 

LaBerge, S., LaMarca, K., & Baird, B. (2018). Pre-sleep treatment with galantamine stimulates lucid dreaming: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. PLoS ONE, 13(8), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201246

Therapeutic Implications Regarding Lucid Dream Research

Within the realm of sleep and dream studies, the scientific community has noted the apparent discrepancies that become evident regarding dream reports in that when individuals awake from their dreams, they have the general tendency to misinterpret and/ or forget the events they just experienced while asleep. In the article, Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreams during REM sleep, Konkoly, and colleagues attempt to bridge this gap by focusing on the potential of dreaming individuals logically perceiving and responding to questions while simultaneously asleep in a laboratory setting. They created a two-way communication study utilizing polysomnography technology in an attempt to bring forward real-time lucid dream communication through means of distorted reality trials throughout the duration of REM sleep. Konkoly et. al were able to come to the conclusion that cognitive characteristics of lucid dreaming are in fact able to be manipulated and cross-examined instantaneously while an individual is still experiencing the dream at hand. 

With this field of research gaining recent attention due to the ramifications of extra free time during the lockdown and people having more time to dream, scientists have posed the question: could the manipulation of lucid dreaming potentially give rise to restorative treatment regarding an individual’s mental health? Or, on the other hand, would tackling the psyche be too risky and unintentionally harm one’s internal mindset and wellbeing? In the article, Does Lucid Dreaming Help Your Mental Health or Harm It? Experts Weigh In, Karen Sosnoski expanded on the under-researched emotional ramifications behind lucid dreaming. She notes how researchers commonly utilize electroencephalograms in order to track signals prompted throughout the duration of lucid dreaming within the prefrontal cortex, given that it is predominately connotated with the progression of personality traits. A 2018 study came to the conclusion that lucid dreamers have the tendency to display elevated levels of resting-state communication- specifically between the frontopolar cortex and the temporoparietal junction. These heightened connections enable the individual to more efficiently incorporate elements of their waking life into their dreams and sometimes even gain control of their actions within this alternate reality. An International Dream Research Survey analyzed the responses brought forward from a group of 528 lucid dreamers. These individuals reported utilizing the practice of lucid dreaming for spiritual growth, solving problems, and emotional healing. Additionally, in the article, What are lucid dreams, and are they clinically significant?, Naveed Saleh reflects on the potential medical implications behind active dreaming. Researchers at the Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research conducted a separate study in which they explore the potential for lucid dreaming to serve as a treatment for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. As established by the patient’s self-assessments, lucid dream therapy resulted in an overall decrease in anxiety and depression over the course of the trials. 

In line with COVID-19, lucid dream researcher Daniel Love states that the pandemic has encouraged “a new influx of dream explorers.” Taking into consideration that individuals around the world faced a prolonged duration of time spent within their homes, it unintentionally fostered an introspective environment where people were left alone with their thoughts. Mankind throughout the dawn of time has been subjected to the phenomena of dreaming and the thematic representations and imagery conjured by our thoughts yield great levels of curiosity. Scientists have recently begun to further explore the various techniques by which an individual’s dream activity can be properly analyzed and manipulated. As noted by Konkoly et. al, communication within a state of sleep is entirely feasible and its potential is rapidly on the rise. This field of research could broaden the scientific communities’ awareness in regard to the personal human condition and the significance of one’s mental and emotional health as displayed by manifestations while dreaming. This practice holds a vast realm of potential regarding interactive dreaming having therapeutic implications. 

References: 

Konkoly, K. R., Appel, K., Chabani, E., Mangiaruga, A., Gott, J., Mallett, R., Caughran, B.,Witkowski, S., Whitmore, N. W., Mazurek, C. Y., Berent, J. B., Weber, F. D., Türker, B., Leu-Semenescu, S., Maranci, J. B., Pipa, G., Arnulf, I., Oudiette, D., Dresler, M., & Paller, K. A. (2021). Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. Current Biology, 31(7), 1417–1427.e6 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.026

Naveed, Saleh. “What Are Lucid Dreams, and Are They Clinically Significant?” MDLinx, 14 Jan. 2019, https://www.mdlinx.com/article/what-are-lucid-dreams-and-are-they-clinically-significant

Sosnoski, Karen. “This Is How Lucid Dreaming Affects Your Mental Health.” Healthline, Healthline Media,19 Aug. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/lucid-dreaming-the-latest-on-its-mental-health-benefits-and-risks.