Dream Loss: A Bigger Health Issue Than Sleep Deprivation

Dream loss may be the cause of many illnesses attributed to sleep deprivation, according to scientists

Experiencing dream loss may contribute to depression, according to a new study. Researchers gave details on the various factors that cause rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and dream loss.

Normal sleep follows a pattern: the deeper, non REM sleep is prioritized by the body, while later in the night and early in the morning we experience dreaming, during REM sleep.

“We are at least as dream deprived as we are sleep-deprived. Many of our health concerns attributed to sleep loss actually result from REM sleep deprivation,” said Rubin Naiman, assistant professor at University of Arizona in the US

Moreover, he added that he considers REM dream loss as an important health issue that should be taken into consideration as it silently wreaks havoc by contributing to illness, depression and erosion of consciousness.

The review was published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. It examines data about both the causes and extent of REM dream loss that is associated with medications, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.

Furthermore, Naiman reviews the consequences of REM dream loss and ends with recommendations for restoring healthy REM sleep and dreaming.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com