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Mickus S, Kryger M. Dancing dreams: The intersection of ballet and sleep. Sleep Health 2024; 10:1-4. [PMID: 38307772 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meir Kryger
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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2
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Simor P, Peigneux P, Bódizs R. Sleep and dreaming in the light of reactive and predictive homeostasis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105104. [PMID: 36804397 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Dreams are often viewed as fascinating but irrelevant mental epihenomena of the sleeping mind with questionable functional relevance. Despite long hours of oneiric activity, and high individual differences in dream recall, dreams are lost into oblivion. Here, we conceptualize dreaming and dream amnesia as inherent aspects of the reactive and predictive homeostatic functions of sleep. Mental activity during sleep conforms to the interplay of restorative processes and future anticipation, and particularly during the second half of the night, it unfolds as a special form of non-constrained, self-referent, and future-oriented cognitive process. Awakening facilitates constrained, goal-directed prospection that competes for shared neural resources with dream production and dream recall, and contributes to dream amnesia. We present the neurophysiological aspects of reactive and predictive homeostasis during sleep, highlighting the putative role of cortisol in predictive homeostasis and forgetting dreams. The theoretical and methodological aspects of our proposal are discussed in relation to the study of dreaming, dream recall, and sleep-related cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Simor
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; UR2NF, Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit at CRCN - Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences and UNI - ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Peigneux
- UR2NF, Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit at CRCN - Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences and UNI - ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Róbert Bódizs
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Margherita G, Caffieri A. An observatory on changes in dreaming during a pandemic: a living systematic review (part 1). J Sleep Res 2022; 32:e13742. [PMID: 36320190 PMCID: PMC9877779 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A 'new' way of dreaming has emerged during the pandemic, enhancing the interest of psychological literature. Indeed, during the years of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies have investigated dream-related phenomena and dreaming functions. Considering the constant and rapid emergence of new results on this topic, the main aim of this study was to create an 'observatory' on the short- and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on dreaming, by means of a living systematic review. The baseline results are presented, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines, to identify and discuss existing studies about dreams and dreaming during the COVID-19 pandemic published until February 2022. Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and PubMed were used for the search strategy, yielding 71 eligible papers included in the review. Our results show: (a) a more intense oneiric activity during lockdown; (b) changes in dreaming components (especially dream-recall and nightmare frequency); (c) a particular dreaming scenario ('pandemic dreams'); (d) an alteration of the dreaming-waking-life continuum and a specific function of dreaming as emotional regulator. Findings suggest that monitoring changes in dreaming provides important information about psychological health and could also contribute to the debate on the difficulties of dreaming, as well as sleeping, in particular during and after a period of 'collective trauma'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Margherita
- Department of Humanistic StudiesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Alessia Caffieri
- Department of Humanistic StudiesUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
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4
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Barbeau K, Turpin C, Lafrenière A, Campbell E, De Koninck J. Dreamers' evaluation of the emotional valence of their day-to-day dreams is indicative of some mood regulation function. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:947396. [PMID: 36187381 PMCID: PMC9523572 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.947396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dreams may contribute to psychological adaptation by aiding in mood regulation. One way it could be achieved is through a desensitization process whereby negative events are replayed within the dream under lower conditions of negative emotionality. Evidence of this theory is supported by the tendency of dreamers to evaluate their emotions felt in their dreams more positively compared to an independent judge (i.e., positivity bias). Additionally, it has been observed that while dream emotions are typically more negative than pre-sleep emotions, morning emotions are more positive, suggesting that emotional regulation occurs overnight and may help improve mood in the morning. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between pre-sleep, dream, and morning mood and the potential desensitization function of remembered dreams as indicated by their effects on morning mood and stress. Methodology: Participants (N = 188; Mean age = 19.2, SD = 3.0) recorded their dreams (N = 345 dreams) and self-reported their stress and mood at bedtime, during their dream retrospectively, and upon waking. A judge also evaluated the subjects' dream moods. Subjects' positivity bias was defined as the difference between the subjects and the judge's evaluation of the positive emotions in the dream. Results: A MANOVA revealed that subjects perceived a higher level of positive emotions in their dreams compared to a judge. Multi-group path analysis revealed that some relationships between pre-sleep, dream, and morning emotions and stress differed in positive and negative dream nights. In both groups, the strongest predictors of morning mood and stress were pre-sleep mood and stress, respectively. The second strongest predictor of positive morning mood was the subjects' dream positivity bias. Conclusion: Results provide some support for the association of dreaming in mood regulation attributable to REM sleep. They also highlight that pathways implicated in mood regulation may be distinct from stress regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheana Barbeau
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chloé Turpin
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Emma Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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5
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Carcione A, Santonastaso M, Sferruzza F, Riccardi I. Esoteric power, useless, useful: considerations about dreams in cognitive-behavioural therapy. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, PROCESS AND OUTCOME 2021; 24:543. [PMID: 34568111 PMCID: PMC8451210 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2021.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
For a long time dreamwork in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) was considered useless and as a technique specific to psychodynamic approaches, consequently overlooked in the treatment course. In the last twenty years, thanks to the contribution of neuroscience studies on sleep and dreams, dreams joined the attention and interest of authors belonging to the CBT field. The central feature of dreamwork in CBT is the abandonment of the exploration of latent meaning, which is instead considered in continuity with the waking life. Dreams reflect a patient’s view of self, world, and future, and are subject to the same cognitive biases as the waking state. Consequently, the dreamwork can be used to get information about the patient, overcome impasses in therapy, restructure self and interpersonal schemas, and stimulate reflective functioning. Therefore, guidelines have been defined and models of well-articulated intervention in terms of process and content, replicable and teachable through specific training structured. This paper aims to provide an overview of theories regarding the use of dreams in CBT, from a clinical perspective, from Beck to more recent proposals.
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Napias A, Denechere E, Mayo W, Ghorayeb I. Assessment of dream-related aspects and beliefs in a large cohort of French students using a validated French version of the Mannheim Dream questionnaire. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247506. [PMID: 33662038 PMCID: PMC7932137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Focusing on a specific population when studying dream characteristics can shed light on underlying mechanisms and correlates of dreaming. The aim of this study is to establish a clearer description of specific dream aspects and beliefs in a large cohort of students using a validated questionnaire, and to further investigate the role of sociodemographic variables such as age, gender and field of study. Participants were 1137 students aged from 18 to 34 (mean age: 22.2) who responded to an online version of the questionnaire. Our results showed a difference between humanities and science students, and a differential effect of gender on dream variables. Our results are discussed in light of previous investigations using the same questionnaire or focusing on the same population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Napias
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine - UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emilie Denechere
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Willy Mayo
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine - UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Imad Ghorayeb
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine - UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail:
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7
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Scarpelli S, Alfonsi V, Gorgoni M, Giannini AM, De Gennaro L. Investigation on Neurobiological Mechanisms of Dreaming in the New Decade. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020220. [PMID: 33670180 PMCID: PMC7916906 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dream research has advanced significantly over the last twenty years, thanks to the new applications of neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques. Many findings pointed out that mental activity during sleep and wakefulness shared similar neural bases. On the other side, recent studies have highlighted that dream experience is promoted by significant brain activation, characterized by reduced low frequencies and increased rapid frequencies. Additionally, several studies confirmed that the posterior parietal area and prefrontal cortex are responsible for dream experience. Further, early results revealed that dreaming might be manipulated by sensory stimulations that would provoke the incorporation of specific cues into the dream scenario. Recently, transcranial stimulation techniques have been applied to modulate the level of consciousness during sleep, supporting previous findings and adding new information about neural correlates of dream recall. Overall, although multiple studies suggest that both the continuity and activation hypotheses provide a growing understanding of neural processes underlying dreaming, several issues are still unsolved. The impact of state-/trait-like variables, the influence of circadian and homeostatic factors, and the examination of parasomnia-like events to access dream contents are all opened issues deserving further deepening in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (L.D.G.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-7508
| | - Valentina Alfonsi
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (L.D.G.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (A.M.G.)
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8
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Aazh H, Stevens J, Moore BCJ. Preliminary Examination of the Incidence of and Factors Related to Hearing Tinnitus in Dreams. J Am Acad Audiol 2020; 32:76-82. [PMID: 33296927 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of the perception of tinnitus in dreams among patients seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis and to assess whether this is related to the severity of tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. RESEARCH DESIGN This was a retrospective study. STUDY SAMPLE The data for 148 consecutive adult patients who attended a tinnitus/hyperacusis clinic in the United Kingdom were included. The average age of the patients was 56 years (standard deviation [SD] = 15 years). DATA COLLECTION Data were collected retrospectively from their records held at the audiology department. Audiological measures were pure-tone audiometry and uncomfortable loudness levels. Questionnaires administered were: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hyperacusis Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Patient Health Questionnaire. Patients were also asked "If you dream have you ever perceived tinnitus in your dreams?" RESULTS Five percent of patients (7/148) reported hearing tinnitus in their dreams. There was a nonsignificant trend for patients who reported hearing tinnitus in their dreams to be younger (mean age = 46 years, SD = 15 years) than those who did not (mean age = 57 years, SD = 15 years). The mean scores for the THI and VAS for effect of tinnitus on life were significantly higher (worse) for patients who reported hearing tinnitus in their dreams than for those who did not. CONCLUSION A small proportion of patients reported hearing tinnitus in their dreams and this was associated with higher tinnitus handicap as measured via the THI and more effect of tinnitus on life as measured via the VAS. These preliminary results may indicate that those who are greatly affected by their tinnitus are more likely to hear it in their dreams or to be woken by it. Future studies should use methods that can be used to reliably assess if and when tinnitus is perceived during the sleep cycle, using more physiological measures and testing a wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Stevens
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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Cicolin A, Boffano M, Beccuti G, Piana R, Giordano A. End-of-Life in Oncologic Patients' Dream Content. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10080505. [PMID: 32752165 PMCID: PMC7464967 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Both non-rapid eye movements and rapid eye movements sleep facilitate the strengthening of newly encoded memory traces, and dream content reflects this process. Numerous studies evaluated the impact of diseases on dream content, with particular reference to cancer, and reported the presence of issues related to death, negative emotions, pain and illness. This study investigates death and illness experiences in 13 consecutive patients with sarcoma compared to paired controls, early after diagnosis, evaluating dream contents, fear of death, mood and anxiety, distress, and severity of disease perception (perceived and communicated). Ten patients and 10 controls completed the study. Dream contents were significantly different between patients and normative data (DreamSat) and patients and controls (higher presence of negative emotions, low familiar settings and characters and no success involving the dreamer). Illness and death were present in 57% of patients’ dreams (0% among controls), but no differences emerged between patients and controls in regard to anxiety and depression, distress and fear of death, even if the severity of illness was correctly perceived. The appearance of emotional elements in dreams and the absence of conscious verbalization of distress and/or depressive or anxious symptoms by patients could be ascribed to the time required for mnestic elaboration (construction/elaboration phase) during sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cicolin
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele Boffano
- Orthopaedic Oncologic Surgery, Department Oncological and Reconstructive Orthopedics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Guglielmo Beccuti
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Raimondo Piana
- Orthopaedic Oncologic Surgery, Department Oncological and Reconstructive Orthopedics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Alessandra Giordano
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
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10
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Scarpelli S, D’Atri A, Bartolacci C, Gorgoni M, Mangiaruga A, Ferrara M, De Gennaro L. Dream Recall upon Awakening from Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Older Adults: Electrophysiological Pattern and Qualitative Features. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E343. [PMID: 32503215 PMCID: PMC7349242 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several findings support the activation hypothesis, positing that cortical arousal promotes dream recall (DR). However, most studies have been carried out on young participants, while the electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of DR in older people are still mostly unknown. We aimed to test the activation hypothesis on 20 elders, focusing on the Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep stage. All the subjects underwent polysomnography, and a dream report was collected upon their awakening from NREM sleep. Nine subjects were recallers (RECs) and 11 were non-RECs (NRECs). The delta and beta EEG activity of the last 5 min and the total NREM sleep was calculated by Fast Fourier Transform. Statistical comparisons (RECs vs. NRECs) revealed no differences in the last 5 min of sleep. Significant differences were found in the total NREM sleep: the RECs showed lower delta power over the parietal areas than the NRECs. Consistently, statistical comparisons on the activation index (delta/beta power) revealed that RECs showed a higher level of arousal in the fronto-temporal and parieto-occipital regions than NRECs. Both visual vividness and dream length are positively related to the level of activation. Overall, our results are consistent with the view that dreaming and the storage of oneiric contents depend on the level of arousal during sleep, highlighting a crucial role of the temporo-parietal-occipital zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Aurora D’Atri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Chiara Bartolacci
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Anastasia Mangiaruga
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), 67100 Coppito (L’Aquila), Italy;
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.G.); (A.M.)
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11
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Sikka P, Revonsuo A, Noreika V, Valli K. EEG Frontal Alpha Asymmetry and Dream Affect: Alpha Oscillations over the Right Frontal Cortex during REM Sleep and Presleep Wakefulness Predict Anger in REM Sleep Dreams. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4775-4784. [PMID: 30988168 PMCID: PMC6561691 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2884-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Affective experiences are central not only to our waking life but also to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep dreams. Despite our increasing understanding of the neural correlates of dreaming, we know little about the neural correlates of dream affect. Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) is considered a marker of affective states and traits as well as affect regulation in the waking state. Here, we explored whether FAA during REM sleep and during evening resting wakefulness is related to affective experiences in REM sleep dreams. EEG recordings were obtained from 17 human participants (7 men) who spent 2 nights in the sleep laboratory. Participants were awakened 5 min after the onset of every REM stage after which they provided a dream report and rated their dream affect. Two-minute preawakening EEG segments were analyzed. Additionally, 8 min of evening presleep and morning postsleep EEG were recorded during resting wakefulness. Mean spectral power in the alpha band (8-13 Hz) and corresponding FAA were calculated over the frontal (F4-F3) sites. Results showed that FAA during REM sleep, and during evening resting wakefulness, predicted ratings of dream anger. This suggests that individuals with greater alpha power in the right frontal hemisphere may be less able to regulate (i.e., inhibit) strong affective states, such as anger, in dreams. Additionally, FAA was positively correlated across wakefulness and REM sleep. Together, these findings imply that FAA may serve as a neural correlate of affect regulation not only in the waking but also in the dreaming state.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We experience emotions not only during wakefulness but also during dreaming. Despite our increasing understanding of the neural correlates of dreaming, we know little about the neural correlates of dream emotions. Here we used electroencephalography to explore how frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA)-the relative difference in alpha power between the right and left frontal cortical areas that is associated with emotional processing and emotion regulation in wakefulness-is related to dream emotions. We show that individuals with greater FAA (i.e., greater right-sided alpha power) during rapid eye movement sleep, and during evening wakefulness, experience more anger in dreams. FAA may thus reflect the ability to regulate emotions not only in the waking but also in the dreaming state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilleriin Sikka
- Department of Psychology and Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland,
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy, University of Skövde, 54 128 Skövde, Sweden, and
| | - Antti Revonsuo
- Department of Psychology and Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy, University of Skövde, 54 128 Skövde, Sweden, and
| | - Valdas Noreika
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Valli
- Department of Psychology and Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy, University of Skövde, 54 128 Skövde, Sweden, and
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12
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Scarpelli S, Bartolacci C, D'Atri A, Gorgoni M, De Gennaro L. The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes. Front Psychol 2019; 10:459. [PMID: 30930809 PMCID: PMC6428732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dream experience (DE) represents a fascinating condition linked to emotional processes and the human inner world. Although the overlap between REM sleep and dreaming has been overcome, several studies point out that emotional and perceptually vivid contents are more frequent when reported upon awakenings from this sleep stage. Actually, it is well-known that REM sleep plays a pivotal role in the processing of salient and emotional waking-life experiences, strongly contributing to the emotional memory consolidation. In this vein, we highlighted that, to some extent, neuroimaging studies showed that the processes that regulate dreaming and emotional salience in sleep mentation share similar neural substrates of those controlling emotions during wakefulness. Furthermore, the research on EEG correlates of the presence/absence of DE and the results on EEG pattern related to the incorporated memories converged to assign a crucial role of REM theta oscillations in emotional re-processing. In particular, the theta activity is involved in memory processes during REM sleep as well as during the waking state, in line with the continuity hypothesis. Also, the gamma activity seems to be related to emotional processes and dream recall as well as to lucid dreams. Interestingly, similar EEG correlates of DE have been found in clinical samples when nightmares or dreams occur. Research on clinical samples revealed that promoting the rehearsal of frightening contents aimed to change them is a promising method to treat nightmares, and that lucid dreams are associated with an attenuation of nightmares. In this view, DE can defuse emotional traumatic memories when the emotional regulation and the fear extinction mechanisms are compromised by traumatic and frightening events. Finally, dreams could represent a sort of simulation of reality, providing the possibility to create a new scenario with emotional mastery elements to cope with dysphoric items included in nightmares. In addition, it could be hypothesized that the insertion of bizarre items besides traumatic memories might be functional to "impoverish" the negative charge of the experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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13
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The role of the basolateral amygdala in dreaming. Cortex 2018; 113:169-183. [PMID: 30660955 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have repeatedly shown amygdala activity during sleep (REM and NREM). Consequently, various theorists propose central roles for the amygdala in dreaming - particularly in the generation of dream affects, which seem to play a major role in dream plots. However, a causal role for the amygdala in dream phenomena has never been demonstrated. The traditional first step in determining this role is to observe the functional effects of isolated lesions to the brain structure in question. However, circumscribed bilateral amygdala lesions are extremely rare. Furthermore, the treatment of the amygdala as a unitary structure is problematic, as the basolateral and centromedial amygdala (BLA and CMA) may serve very different functions. We analysed 23 dream reports collected from eight adult patients with bilateral calcification of the BLA as a result of a very rare genetic condition called Urbach-Wiethe Disease (UWD). We compared these dream reports to 52 reports collected from 17 matched controls. Given that the BLA has been implicated in various affective processes in waking life, we predicted that the emotional content of the patients' dreams would differ from that of controls. Due to the exploratory nature of this research, a range of different dream characteristics were analysed. A principal components analysis run on all data returned three key factors, namely pleasantness, length and danger. The UWD patients' dream reports were significantly more pleasant and significantly shorter and less complex than control reports. No differences were found in levels of threat or danger. The results support some current hypotheses concerning the amygdala's role in dreaming, and call others into question. Future research should examine whether these UWD patients show generally impaired emotional episodic memory due to BLA damage, which could explain some of the current findings.
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Sleep talking: A viable access to mental processes during sleep. Sleep Med Rev 2018; 44:12-22. [PMID: 30594004 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sleep talking is one of the most common altered nocturnal behaviours in the whole population. It does not represent a pathological condition and consists in the unaware production of vocalisations during sleep. Although in the last few decades we have experienced a remarkable increase in knowledge about cognitive processes and behavioural manifestations during sleep, the literature regarding sleep talking remains dated and fragmentary. We first provide an overview of historical and recent findings regarding sleep talking, and we then discuss the phenomenon in the context of mental activity during sleep. It is shown that verbal utterances, reflecting the ongoing dream content, may represent the unique possibility to access the dreamlike mental experience directly. Furthermore, we discuss such phenomena within a cognitive theoretical framework, considering both the atypical activation of psycholinguistic circuits during sleep and the implications of verbal 'replay' of recent learning in memory consolidation. Despite current knowledge on such a common experience being far from complete, an in-depth analysis of sleep talking episodes could offer interesting opportunities to address fundamental questions on dreaming or information processing during sleep. Further systematic polysomnographic and neuroimaging investigations are expected to shed new light on the manifestation of the phenomenon and related aspects.
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15
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Abraham A. The imaginative mind. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 37:4197-4211. [PMID: 27453527 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The astounding capacity for the human imagination to be engaged across a wide range of contexts is limitless and fundamental to our day-to-day experiences. Although processes of imagination are central to human psychological function, they rarely occupy center stage in academic discourse or empirical study within psychological and neuroscientific realms. The aim of this paper is to tackle this imbalance by drawing together the multitudinous facets of imagination within a common framework. The processes fall into one of five categories depending on whether they are characterized as involving perceptual/motor related mental imagery, intentionality or recollective processing, novel combinatorial or generative processing, exceptional phenomenology in the aesthetic response, or altered psychological states which range from commonplace to dysfunctional. These proposed categories are defined on the basis of theoretical ideas from philosophy as well as empirical evidence from neuroscience. By synthesizing the findings across these domains of imagination, this novel five-part or quinquepartite classification of the human imagination aids in systematizing, and thereby abets, our understanding of the workings and neural foundations of the human imagination. It would serve as a blueprint to direct further advances in the field of imagination while also promoting crosstalk with reference to stimulus-oriented facets of information processing. A biologically and ecologically valid psychology is one that seeks to explain fundamental aspects of human nature. Given the ubiquitous nature of the imaginative operations in our daily lives, there can be little doubt that these quintessential aspects of the mind should be central to the discussion. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4197-4211, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Abraham
- School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE, United Kingdom.
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16
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Abstract
Brain and sleep maturation covary across different stages of life. At the same time, dream generation and dream recall are intrinsically dependent on the development of neural systems. The aim of this paper is to review the existing studies about dreaming in infancy, adulthood, and the elderly stage of life, assessing whether dream mentation may reflect changes of the underlying cerebral activity and cognitive processes. It should be mentioned that some evidence from childhood investigations, albeit still weak and contrasting, revealed a certain correlation between cognitive skills and specific features of dream reports. In this respect, infantile amnesia, confabulatory reports, dream-reality discerning, and limitation in language production and emotional comprehension should be considered as important confounding factors. Differently, growing evidence in adults suggests that the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the encoding and retrieval of episodic memories may remain the same across different states of consciousness. More directly, some studies on adults point to shared neural mechanisms between waking cognition and corresponding dream features. A general decline in the dream recall frequency is commonly reported in the elderly, and it is explained in terms of a diminished interest in dreaming and in its emotional salience. Although empirical evidence is not yet available, an alternative hypothesis associates this reduction to an age-related cognitive decline. The state of the art of the existing knowledge is partially due to the variety of methods used to investigate dream experience. Very few studies in elderly and no investigations in childhood have been performed to understand whether dream recall is related to specific electrophysiological pattern at different ages. Most of all, the lack of longitudinal psychophysiological studies seems to be the main issue. As a main message, we suggest that future longitudinal studies should collect dream reports upon awakening from different sleep states and include neurobiological measures with cognitive performances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bartolacci
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Scarpelli S, D'Atri A, Mangiaruga A, Marzano C, Gorgoni M, Schiappa C, Ferrara M, De Gennaro L. Predicting Dream Recall: EEG Activation During NREM Sleep or Shared Mechanisms with Wakefulness? Brain Topogr 2017; 30:629-638. [PMID: 28434101 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-017-0563-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora D'Atri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Mangiaruga
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marzano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Schiappa
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Speth J, Schloerscheidt AM, Speth C. As we fall asleep we forget about the future: A quantitative linguistic analysis of mentation reports from hypnagogia. Conscious Cogn 2016; 45:235-244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Cipolli C, Ferrara M, De Gennaro L, Plazzi G. Beyond the neuropsychology of dreaming: Insights into the neural basis of dreaming with new techniques of sleep recording and analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2016; 35:8-20. [PMID: 27569701 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in electrophysiological [e.g., surface high-density electroencephalographic (hd-EEG) and intracranial recordings], video-polysomnography (video-PSG), transcranial stimulation and neuroimaging techniques allow more in-depth and more accurate investigation of the neural correlates of dreaming in healthy individuals and in patients with brain-damage, neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disorders or parasomnias. Convergent evidence provided by studies using these techniques in healthy subjects has led to a reformulation of several unresolved issues of dream generation and recall [such as the inter- and intra-individual differences in dream recall and the predictivity of specific EEG rhythms, such as theta in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, for dream recall] within more comprehensive models of human consciousness and its variations across sleep/wake states than the traditional models, which were largely based on the neurophysiology of REM sleep in animals. These studies are casting new light on the neural bases (in particular, the activity of dorsal medial prefrontal cortex regions and hippocampus and amygdala areas) of the inter- and intra-individual differences in dream recall, the temporal location of specific contents or properties (e.g., lucidity) of dream experience and the processing of memories accessed during sleep and incorporated into dream content. Hd-EEG techniques, used on their own or in combination with neuroimaging, appear able to provide further important insights into how the brain generates not only dreaming during sleep but also some dreamlike experiences in waking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cipolli
- Department of Specialty, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- DIBINEM - Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS - Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, AUSL di Bologna, Italy.
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20
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De Gennaro L, Lanteri O, Piras F, Scarpelli S, Assogna F, Ferrara M, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G. Dopaminergic system and dream recall: An MRI study in Parkinson's disease patients. Hum Brain Mapp 2016; 37:1136-47. [PMID: 26704150 PMCID: PMC6867535 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of the dopamine system [i.e., subcortical-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) network] in dreaming, by studying patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) as a model of altered dopaminergic transmission. Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were extracted by 3T-MR images of 27 PD patients and 27 age-matched controls, who were asked to fill out a dream diary upon morning awakening for one week. PD patients do not substantially differ from healthy controls with respect to the sleep, dream, and neuroanatomical measures. Multivariate correlational analyses in PD patients show that dopamine agonist dosage is associated to qualitatively impoverished dreams, as expressed by lower bizarreness and lower emotional load values. Visual vividness (VV) of their dream reports positively correlates with volumes of both the amygdalae and with thickness of the left mPFC. Emotional load also positively correlates with hippocampal volume. Beside the replication of our previous finding on the role of subcortical nuclei in dreaming experience of healthy subjects, this represents the first evidence of a specific role of the amygdala-mPFC dopaminergic network system in dream recall. The association in PD patients between higher dopamine agonist dosages and impoverished dream reports, however, and the significant correlations between VV and mesolimbic regions, however, provide an empirical support to the hypothesis that a dopamine network plays a key role in dream generation. The causal relation is however precluded by the intrinsic limitation of assuming the dopamine agonist dosage as a measure of the hypodopaminergic state in PD. Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza,", Rome, Italy
| | - Olimpia Lanteri
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza,", Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Compendio del Viminale, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza,", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Assogna
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'aquila, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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21
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Kirov R, Kolev V, Verleger R, Yordanova J. Labile sleep promotes awareness of abstract knowledge in a serial reaction time task. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1354. [PMID: 26441730 PMCID: PMC4561346 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep has been identified as a critical brain state enhancing the probability of gaining insight into covert task regularities. Both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been implicated with offline re-activation and reorganization of memories supporting explicit knowledge generation. According to two-stage models of sleep function, offline processing of information during sleep is sequential requiring multiple cycles of NREM and REM sleep stages. However, the role of overnight dynamic sleep macrostructure for insightfulness has not been studied so far. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that the frequency of interactions between NREM and REM sleep stages might be critical for awareness after sleep. For that aim, the rate of sleep stage transitions was evaluated in 53 participants who learned implicitly a serial reaction time task (SRTT) in which a determined sequence was inserted. The amount of explicit knowledge about the sequence was established by verbal recall after a night of sleep following SRTT learning. Polysomnography was recorded in this night and in a control night before and was analyzed to compare the rate of sleep-stage transitions between participants who did or did not gain awareness of task regularity after sleep. Indeed, individual ability of explicit knowledge generation was strongly associated with increased rate of transitions between NREM and REM sleep stages and between light sleep stages and slow wave sleep. However, the rate of NREM-REM transitions specifically predicted the amount of explicit knowledge after sleep in a trait-dependent way. These results demonstrate that enhanced lability of sleep goes along with individual ability of knowledge awareness. Observations suggest that facilitated dynamic interactions between sleep stages, particularly between NREM and REM sleep stages play a role for offline processing which promotes rule extraction and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roumen Kirov
- Cognitive Psychophysiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofia, Bulgaria
| | - Vasil Kolev
- Cognitive Psychophysiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Neurology, University of LübeckLübeck, Germany
| | - Rolf Verleger
- Department of Neurology, University of LübeckLübeck, Germany
- Institute of Psychology II, University of LübeckLübeck, Germany
| | - Juliana Yordanova
- Cognitive Psychophysiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Neurology, University of LübeckLübeck, Germany
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22
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Scarpelli S, D’Atri A, Gorgoni M, Ferrara M, De Gennaro L. EEG oscillations during sleep and dream recall: state- or trait-like individual differences? Front Psychol 2015; 6:605. [PMID: 25999908 PMCID: PMC4423302 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dreaming represents a peculiar form of cognitive activity during sleep. On the basis of the well-known relationship between sleep and memory, there has been a growing interest in the predictive role of human brain activity during sleep on dream recall. Neuroimaging studies indicate that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is characterized by limbic activation and prefrontal cortex deactivation. This pattern could explain the presence of emotional contents in dream reports. Furthermore, the morphoanatomical measures of amygdala and hippocampus predict some features of dream contents (bizarreness, vividness, and emotional load). More relevant for a general view of dreaming mechanisms, empirical data from neuropsychological and electroencephalographic (EEG) studies support the hypothesis that there is a sort of continuity between the neurophysiological mechanisms of encoding and retrieval of episodic memories across sleep and wakefulness. A notable overlap between the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying emotional memory formation and some peculiar EEG features of REM sleep has been suggested. In particular, theta (5-8 Hz) EEG oscillations on frontal regions in the pre-awakening sleep are predictive of dream recall, which parallels the predictive relation during wakefulness between theta activity and successful retrieval of episodic memory. Although some observations support an interpretation more in terms of an intraindividual than interindividual mechanism, the existing empirical evidence still precludes from definitely disentangling if this relation is explained by state- or trait-like differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora D’Atri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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Mattson MP. Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:265. [PMID: 25202234 PMCID: PMC4141622 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Ruby P, Blochet C, Eichenlaub JB, Bertrand O, Morlet D, Bidet-Caulet A. Alpha reactivity to first names differs in subjects with high and low dream recall frequency. Front Psychol 2013; 4:419. [PMID: 23966960 PMCID: PMC3743036 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in cognitive psychology showed that personality (openness to experience, thin boundaries, absorption), creativity, nocturnal awakenings, and attitude toward dreams are significantly related to dream recall frequency (DRF). These results suggest the possibility of neurophysiological trait differences between subjects with high and low DRF. To test this hypothesis we compared sleep characteristics and alpha reactivity to sounds in subjects with high and low DRF using polysomnographic recordings and electroencephalography (EEG). We acquired EEG from 21 channels in 36 healthy subjects while they were presented with a passive auditory oddball paradigm (frequent standard tones, rare deviant tones and very rare first names) during wakefulness and sleep (intensity, 50 dB above the subject's hearing level). Subjects were selected as High-recallers (HR, DRF = 4.42 ± 0.25 SEM, dream recalls per week) and Low-recallers (LR, DRF = 0.25 ± 0.02) using a questionnaire and an interview on sleep and dream habits. Despite the disturbing setup, the subjects' quality of sleep was generally preserved. First names induced a more sustained decrease in alpha activity in HR than in LR at Pz (1000-1200 ms) during wakefulness, but no group difference was found in REM sleep. The current dominant hypothesis proposes that alpha rhythms would be involved in the active inhibition of the brain regions not involved in the ongoing brain operation. According to this hypothesis, a more sustained alpha decrease in HR would reflect a longer release of inhibition, suggesting a deeper processing of complex sounds than in LR during wakefulness. A possibility to explain the absence of group difference during sleep is that increase in alpha power in HR may have resulted in awakenings. Our results support this hypothesis since HR experienced more intra sleep wakefulness than LR (30 ± 4 vs. 14 ± 4 min). As a whole our results support the hypothesis of neurophysiological trait differences in high and low-recallers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Ruby
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
| | - Camille Blochet
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Eichenlaub
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Bertrand
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
| | - Dominique Morlet
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Bidet-Caulet
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM, CNRSLyon, France
- University Lyon 1Lyon, France
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25
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The mind-brain relationship as a mathematical problem. ISRN NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 2013:261364. [PMID: 24967307 PMCID: PMC4045549 DOI: 10.1155/2013/261364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to frame certain fundamental aspects of the human mind (content and meaning of mental states) and foundational elements of brain computation (spatial and temporal patterns of neural activity) so as to enable at least in principle their integration within one and the same quantitative representation. Through the history of science, similar approaches have been instrumental to bridge other seemingly mysterious scientific phenomena, such as thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics and electromagnetism, or chemistry and quantum physics, among several other examples. Identifying the relevant levels of analysis is important to define proper mathematical formalisms for describing the brain and the mind, such that they could be mapped onto each other in order to explain their equivalence. Based on these premises, we overview the potential of neural connectivity to provide highly informative constraints on brain computational process. Moreover, we outline approaches for representing cognitive and emotional states geometrically with semantic maps. Next, we summarize leading theoretical framework that might serve as an explanatory bridge between neural connectivity and mental space. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of this framework for human communication and our view of reality. We conclude by analyzing the practical requirements to manage the necessary data for solving the mind-brain problem from this perspective.
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26
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Eichenlaub JB, Bertrand O, Morlet D, Ruby P. Brain reactivity differentiates subjects with high and low dream recall frequencies during both sleep and wakefulness. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 24:1206-15. [PMID: 23283685 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The neurophysiological correlates of dreaming remain unclear. According to the "arousal-retrieval" model, dream encoding depends on intrasleep wakefulness. Consistent with this model, subjects with high and low dream recall frequency (DRF) report differences in intrasleep awakenings. This suggests a possible neurophysiological trait difference between the 2 groups. To test this hypothesis, we compared the brain reactivity (evoked potentials) of subjects with high (HR, N = 18) and low (LR, N = 18) DRF during wakefulness and sleep. During data acquisition, the subjects were presented with sounds to be ignored (first names randomly presented among pure tones) while they were watching a silent movie or sleeping. Brain responses to first names dramatically differed between the 2 groups during both sleep and wakefulness. During wakefulness, the attention-orienting brain response (P3a) and a late parietal response were larger in HR than in LR. During sleep, we also observed between-group differences at the latency of the P3a during N2 and at later latencies during all sleep stages. Our results demonstrate differences in the brain reactivity of HR and LR during both sleep and wakefulness. These results suggest that the ability to recall dreaming is associated with a particular cerebral functional organization, regardless of the state of vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Eichenlaub
- Brain Dynamics and Cognition Team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM, CNRS, Lyon F-69500, France
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27
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Zadra A, Robert G. Dream recall frequency: impact of prospective measures and motivational factors. Conscious Cogn 2012; 21:1695-702. [PMID: 23092675 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2012.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Significant individual differences exist in dream recall frequency (DRF) but some variance is likely attributable to instrument choice in measuring DRF. Three hundred and fifty eight participants estimated their weekly DRF and recorded their dreams in either a narrative log (n = 165) or checklist log (n = 193) for 2-5 weeks. There was an early peak in DRF within the first week of both types of prospective logs after which DRF remained relatively stable. Although the two groups did not differ in their estimated DRF, significantly fewer dreams were reported per week on the narrative logs and only checklist logs yielded significantly higher DRF than participants' questionnaire estimates. The interactions between DRF measures did not vary across groups with low, medium or high baseline levels of DRF. Keeping a dream log does not necessarily increase DRF and narrative logs' time consuming nature can impact subjects' motivation to report all of their dreams over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zadra
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7.
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