Toward 100% dream retrieval by rapid-eye-movement sleep awakening: A high-density electroencephalographic study

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate that dream images can be retrieved from virtually all REM episodes across the night in any neurologically healthy individuals and that high-density electroencephalography is superior to the standard polysomnography in identifying sleep events and localizing wave sources. Seven young adults, who rarely recalled their dream experiences, volunteered to attend a screening interview, keep a nightly log, and sleep at the laboratory for 3 consecutive nights. Awakenings were made on the third night, the first 2 nights serving the purpose of adaptation. By utilizing the electroencephalographic system with 256 channels and the awakening protocol that accommodates the normal lengthening REM periods over the night, a very high retrieval rate of REM mentation was obtained—that is, 94.3%. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)