Stage-dependent cortical/hippocampal reactivation may explain the differences in recall frequency between REM and NREM mentation

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that dream recall rates differ between REM and NREM sleep. However, the neurological mechanisms responsible for this difference are not fully understood. Here recent research is discussed regarding the characteristics of neural reactivation during REM and NREM in response to pre-sleep memory acquisition. It is proposed that differential reactivation of cortical and subcortical areas during REM and NREM may offer one possible explanation for why there are differences in dream recall rates from REM and NREM sleep.