Clinical Studies of Dreaming Gail Bixler-Thomas, MA November 1998 In 1875, Richard Caton discovered evidence that the brain's neutral state is activity. Hans Berger, a German neuropsychiatrist, recorded the first alpha rhythm which indicated a state of meditation or relaxation. He observed the first electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of sleep in the early 20th century. More research was conducted using Berger's findings at Harvard University in the 30's. By the 1940's, sleep was viewed as "one end of a continuum of arousal" (LaBerge, 1985, p. 47). However, the physiological study of dreams didn't really begin until the 1950's. A graduate student at the University of Chicago discovered REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep after attaching electrodes to his son. REM was one large puzzle now solved in the sleep laboratory.

Sleep, Dreams and Wakefulness a compilation of physiological data relating to sleep and dreams, from the University of Lyon

After the clinical investigations and medical research of REM sleep by doctors Aserinsky and Kleitman, dreaming became a respectable subject of clinical study by the scientific community. Physiologically, sleep is a condition of chemical regeneration of the brain. Through the classification of sleep into four stages, standardizing and recording brain waves (EEG) eye movements (EOG), and muscle tension (EMG), the psychophysiological approach to dream research was established.

Stages of Sleep Stage 1 sleep lasts only a few minutes before crossing into stage 2. However, before this occurs, we may experience "weird" imagery known as hypnogogic imagery, which more or less leads us into sleep. Stage 2 pulls us into a deeper sleep, although it is possible to experience dreams in this stage, especially, LaBerge says, "if you are a light sleeper" (p. 53). EOG would show little eye movement, however, and EMG would show decreased muscle tone. The EEG would begin high amplitude slow waves called K-complexes and 12-14 Hz rhythms called sleep spindles. In stage 3, these waves become "delta" waves of 1-2 Hz. These waves eventually dominate the EEG. This begins stage 4, which is the deepest stage of sleep. EOG shows no eye movement–only brain's delta waves. EMG would show low muscle tone (or high if sleep-walking or talking). Dream recall is very poor if the sleeper awakens at this stage. After cycling for approximately 90 minutes, the stages are reversed. As the pattern ascends stage 1, EMG activity is zero (muscle tone at lowest level), and EOG now shows rapid eye movement. This is the most active dream time and as LaBerge comments, has been referred to as "paradoxical sleep", "ascending Stage 1 REM", and "active sleep" (p. 53). This stage lasts from 5-15 minutes and successive REM periods tend to increase in length, possibly up to an hour.

The Lucidity Institute Stephen LaBerge's organization devoted to the study of lucid dreaming   Association for the Study of Dreams organization for dream research professionals   Understanding Dreams perspectives from the ancients through modern times

This news is significant to dreamers since this means that REM periods get longer and closer together. This provides more dream time for mornings. Therefore, as LaBerge suggests, a dreamer interested in cultivating his or her dream life and possibly learning to have lucid dreams might want to plan a day or so a week to sleep late. LaBerge states that in the dream lab, "eighty to ninety percent of all awakenings from REM sleep yield recall of vivid and sometimes extremely detailed dreams" (p. 53). This is also important since it provides a predictable period which can be used to study lucid dreaming in the lab.

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