Induction of self awareness in dreams through frontal low current stimulation of gamma activity

Nat Neurosci. 2014 Jun;17(6):810-2. doi: 10.1038/nn.3719. Epub 2014 May 11.

Abstract

Recent findings link fronto-temporal gamma electroencephalographic (EEG) activity to conscious awareness in dreams, but a causal relationship has not yet been established. We found that current stimulation in the lower gamma band during REM sleep influences ongoing brain activity and induces self-reflective awareness in dreams. Other stimulation frequencies were not effective, suggesting that higher order consciousness is indeed related to synchronous oscillations around 25 and 40 Hz.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Awareness / physiology*
  • Brain Waves / physiology*
  • Consciousness / physiology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Dreams / physiology*
  • Dreams / psychology
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Electrocardiography / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sleep, REM / physiology*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Young Adult