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Re: Why do we need REM?

Posted by SleepyTimeGal on September 12, 2007 at 13:00:14:

In Reply to: Why do we need REM? posted by Mark on September 10, 2007 at 20:52:33:

I don't think researchers have yet definitively determined exactly why we need REM, just that it is needed.

It has been postulated that our brains continue working on organizing the events of the day into meaningful learning, that memories are cemented, ongoing problems are worked on, and various functions take place only during REM. I have heard a theory that longterm REM deprivation may be a reason severe alcoholics begin having waking blackouts.

I am not one to suggest we shouldn't use drugs where needed because they can be life-saving, but I am concerned that so many of them have become disruptive for other normal functions. In my case, many anti-depressants cause severe insomnia and it's hard to tell which is worse, the depression or the insomnia.

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  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


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