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REM sleep

This shows a brain and a person sleeping.

·September 27, 2025·6 min read

Sleep Disorders Predict Parkinson’s or Dementia Years Ahead

Two landmark international studies show that brain biomarkers can predict whether people with REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) will develop Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). MRI scans revealed that reduced glymphatic system function signals higher risk for Parkinson’s, while increased free water in the basal nucleus of Meynert predicts progression to DLB.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 8, 2025·3 min read

REM Sleep Reactivation Locks Memories in Place

Rare adult-born neurons in the hippocampus are reactivated during REM sleep, locking waking experiences into long-term memory. Using genetically modified mice, they found that these neurons fire in the same patterns during sleep as they did during learning.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2025·4 min read

Hitting Snooze Disrupts REM Sleep

Despite expert warnings, hitting the snooze button is a common part of many people’s morning routines. A large global study analyzing data from over 21,000 individuals found that snoozing occurred in 56% of sleep sessions, with heavy users snoozing for up to 20 minutes each morning.

This shows a woman sleeping and a brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·3 min read

Sleep Apnea May Harm Brain Areas Key to Memory

A new study has linked obstructive sleep apnea to brain damage in areas critical for memory, likely due to low oxygen levels during REM sleep. Researchers found that people with lower oxygen saturation during REM had more white matter hyperintensities—signs of small vessel damage—on brain scans.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 27, 2025·5 min read

REM Sleep Delays May Indicate Early Alzheimer’s

Delayed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that participants with delayed REM sleep had higher levels of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·3 min read

REM Sleep-Inducing Neurons Identified

Researchers have discovered two neuron types in the brainstem that induce REM sleep, shedding light on the mechanisms behind this crucial sleep phase. These neurons form circuits that control brain activity, eye movement, and muscle tone loss during REM sleep.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 23, 2024·4 min read

Melatonin Receptor is Key to REM Sleep and Memory

Scientists have identified the melatonin MT1 receptor as a key regulator of REM sleep, crucial for memory, dreaming, and emotional regulation. This discovery may pave the way for targeted treatments for sleep disorders and conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia, which are linked to REM disruptions.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·September 12, 2024·5 min read

Manipulating Brain Waves During Sleep With Sound

Sound stimulation can manipulate brain waves during REM sleep, a stage crucial for memory and cognition. Using advanced technology, researchers were able to increase the frequency of brain oscillations that slow down in dementia patients, potentially improving memory functions. The non-invasive technique could pave the way for innovative treatments for dementia by targeting brain activity during sleep. This approach offers hope for enhancing memory and cognition with minimal disruption to patients' lives.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 14, 2024·5 min read

Sleep Apnea During REM Linked to Memory Decline

Sleep apnea events during REM sleep are linked to verbal memory impairment in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of focusing on sleep-stage-specific apnea severity for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 9, 2023·6 min read

The Dream Dance: Decoding REM’s Mystical Nightly Show in Our Brains

REM sleep, marked by rapid eye movement, is one of the most mysterious stages of our nightly rest, known for vivid dreams. This phase, repeating every 90 to 120 minutes, possibly prevents sleeping too deeply, making us less vulnerable.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 28, 2023·6 min read

In Dreams of Color: Octopuses Exhibit REM-Like Sleep Patterns

Octopuses, despite their completely different brain structures, display sleep cycles akin to humans. The research reveals octopuses enter an active sleep phase similar to REM sleep in humans, suggesting the existence of this sleep stage in complex cognition across species.