REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and the Phenomenology of Dream Analysis

Abstract
The study of REM and NREM in sleep and dream research has been of interest to psychologists for over one hundred years beginning with Freud. This writing will explore the theories of several foundational as well as more recent professionals and scientific methodologies to explore and synthesize the four stages of sleep and the analysis that continue to develop.

Introduction

The study of what occurs physiologically when we sleep involves a significant amount of changes according to Pinel (2008). Among these many changes are rapid eye movements (REM) which were discovered in 1953 by Aserinsky and Klietman (Aserinsky and Klietman, 1953, as cited in Pinel, 2008). This paper will discuss the four stages of sleep and the psychophysiology related to how sleep and dreams are analyzed through key stages of human life. During the four stages of sleep, there are a number of biopsychological changes that occur in our bodies that are relevant to examining and exploring how our bodies and minds work in those regards. The discussion in this paper will synthesize the theories of Freud, Aserinsky, Klietman, Hobson, Domhoff, as well as other significant theorists who have contributed immensely to sleep research in order to present a comprehensive overview of dream and sleep analyses. Finally, I will discuss a personal experiment I have been conducting on REM and NREM sleep and dream analysis. From these syntheses, and experimentations; parallels and contrasts will provide a comprehensive picture of how REM and NREM sleep functions are relatable to gaining greater understanding of the phenomenology of dreams analysis.

Discussion