Stefan P. Koch

2 papers in the library · 271 citations · publishing 2011-2012

Papers

Neural Correlates of Dream Lucidity Obtained from Contrasting Lucid versus Non-Lucid REM Sleep: A Combined EEG/fMRI Case Study

Sleep June 29, 2012 Martin Dresler, Renate Wehrle, Victor I. Spoormaker et al. 271 citations

Lucid dreaming—being aware that one is dreaming—is associated with reactivation of brain areas that are normally deactivated during REM sleep. In one experienced lucid dreamer who had two episodes of verified lucid REM sleep long enough for fMRI analysis, the bilateral precuneus, cuneus, parietal lobules, and prefrontal and occipito-temporal cortices showed strong activation compared with non-lucid REM sleep. This pattern may explain the return of reflective cognitive abilities that characterize lucid dreaming.

DOI: 10.5665/sleep.1974 Full text

Dreamed movement elicits activation in the sensorimotor cortex.

Current biology : CB November 8, 2011 Martin Dresler, Stefan P. Koch, Renate Wehrle et al.

During lucid REM sleep, performing a dreamed hand movement activates the sensorimotor cortex in the same way as an actual movement. By combining fMRI and NIRS with polysomnography, the study used eye signals as temporal markers to link neural activity to specific dream content. This provides first evidence that the contents of REM-associated dreams can be visualized by neuroimaging, overcoming the previous impossibility of experimentally controlling spontaneous dream activity.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.09.029 Full text