Dreamless: the silent epidemic of REM sleep loss.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13447 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractChronic REM/dream loss, driven by medications, substance use, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors, is a widespread but unrecognized public health hazard that contributes to illness, depression, and diminished consciousness. The paper compiles evidence on the causes and extent of this loss and offers recommendations for restoring healthy REM/dreaming.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Rem sleep Rem/dream loss Sleep deprivation |
| Key finding | REM/dream loss is an unrecognized public health hazard contributing to illness, depression, and an erosion of consciousness. |
Abstract
We are at least as dream deprived as we are sleep deprived. Many of the health concerns attributed to sleep loss result from a silent epidemic of REM sleep deprivation. REM/dream loss is an unrecognized public health hazard that silently wreaks havoc with our lives, contributing to illness, depression, and an erosion of consciousness. This paper compiles data about the causes and extent of REM/dream loss associated with commonly used medications, endemic substance use disorders, rampant sleep disorders, and behavioral and lifestyle factors. It examines the consequences of REM/dream loss and concludes with recommendations for restoring healthy REM/dreaming.