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REM sleep is not committed to memory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 September 2001

Robert P. Vertes
Affiliation:
Center for Complex Systems, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431 vertes@walt.ccs.fau.edu
Kathleen E. Eastman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 k.eastman@nau.edu

Abstract

We believe that this has been a constructive debate on the topic of memory consolidation and REM sleep. It was a lively and spirited exchange – the essence of science. A number of issues were discussed including: the pedestal technique, stress, and early REMD work in animals; REM windows; the processing of declarative versus procedural memory in REM in humans; a mnemonic function for theta rhythm in waking but not in REM sleep; the lack of cognitive deficits in patients on antidepressant drugs that suppress or eliminate REM sleep; the disposition of conscious (dreams) and nonconscious material of REM sleep; and finally our theory of REM sleep. Although our position was strongly challenged, we still hold that REM sleep serves no role in the processing and consolidation of memory.

Type
Author's Response
Copyright
© 2000 Cambridge University Press

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