Symposium: Normal and abnormal REM sleep regulation: The importance of REM sleep for brain maturation.
A number of studies, some done by us, are reviewed concerning the function of foetal/neonatal REM sleep. The hypothesis is put forward that REM sleep in early life serves as an indicator for: (1) the degree of brain maturation, and (2) the promotion of further brain development. This hypothesis, although not exclusive, differs from: the original theory of Roffwarg et al. (1966) that REM sleep serves as "wakefulness" during the period in which wakefulness is limited; and also from the theory of Crick and Mitchson (1983-the "unlearning" hypothesis of REM sleep). As the functions of sleep in general, and REM sleep in particular, are still unclear, we hope this review will suggest new possibilities for future research.
Mirmiran
M
Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Meibergdreef 33, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Van Someren E