They also found a correlation between dreaming during both REM and non-REM cycles of low-frequency brain waves occurring in an area in the back of the brain they dubbed 'the hot zone.' This identification of a hot zone, the researchers claim, allowed them to predict when a person was dreaming. In looking at the data, the researchers found that many of the volunteers reported dreaming during non-REM cycles, though most of the dreams were more difficult if not impossible to remember.

Each was awakened at different times depending on EEG readings, and were asked if they were dreaming and whether they could recall details about it. To better understand sleep and when dreams truly occur, the researchers recruited 32 people who agreed to wear EEG caps as they slept in beds in a lab.

Now, it appears that such assumptions might be incorrect, as the researchers with this new effort found evidence of dreaming during other sleep cycles, as well. The researchers also found a correlation between dreaming - during both REM and non-REM sleep cycles - and low-frequency brain waves occurring in an area in the back of the brain they called the “hot zone.” The scientists were then able to predict when a person was dreaming by identifying a hot zone.For many years, there has been a consensus among sleep experts that humans experience dreams only during REM sleep cycles. Similarly, the researchers found that many participants reported dreaming during non-REM sleep cycles but that they had more difficulty remembering their dreams.Ī second experiment involving seven volunteers, who spent between five and 10 nights in the lab, found that participants dreamed 71% of the time during non-REM sleep and 95% during REM cycles. Previous studies have found that 80 to 90% of people can describe a dream if woken up during an REM sleep phase, compared to 50 to 75% in another sleep cycle during the night. Each volunteer was woken at different times - depending on the readings - and was asked if they were dreaming and whether they could recall details about the dreams. Researchers studied 32 volunteers who agreed to spend the night in a sleep lab wearing caps fitted with electrodes to monitor their sleep and brain activity. In adolescents especially, REM is the most important phase of sleep for learning, memory consolidation and social adaptation.Ī single night’s sleep contains an average of four to six REM cycles of around 90 to 100 minutes each - it varies from person to person. It is a period of deep sleep that’s particularly restorative. The body usually enters an REM sleep cycle around 90 minutes after falling asleep. That’s why this sleep cycle is usually recognised as the time when dreams occur. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycles are the deepest phases of sleep, during which brain activity is also the most intense, compared to the wakeful state.

REM sleep cycle is a period of deep sleep that’s particularly restorative.(Shutterstock) Contradicting popular belief, a new study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that it’s possible to dream outside of REM sleep cycles, the deepest and most restorative phases of sleep.

Deep sleep dreams