DREAMS Theories attempting to explain the origin and functions of REM sleep include: (1) that REM sleep provides stimulation for the development of the brain; (2) that it performs a chemical restoration function, since during REM dreaming neuro-protein synthesis occurs along with the restoration of other depleted brain chemicals; (3) that it provides oculomotor (eye movement) coordination, since during non-REM sleep the eyes move independently of each other; (4) that it provides a vigilance function, since REM sleep (stage …showed first 75 words of 675 total…

…showed last 75 words of 675 total…for the population at large, only a small percentage of dreams are recalled. Lucid dreaming, the ability of dreamers to become aware of and to control their dreams while dreaming, is also the focus of some current research. Some lucid dreamers can learn to communicate with researchers through nonverbal signals. New research also promises to yield significant knowledge about memory, storage an retrieval, cognitive organization, psychobiological processes, human consciousness, and specific operations of the mind.