Circadian and ultradian influences on dreaming: A dual rhythm model
Abstract
The dual rhythm model of dreaming states that, under high sensory thresholds, heightened general cortical activation common to both REM/NREM and circadian-driven activation cycles sums to produce the main characteristics of dreaming. In addition, the unique pattern of regional brain activation characteristic of REM sleep amplifies the emotional intensity of the dream. Subjects were awakened from REM and NREM sleep once near the nadir of the core body temperature rhythm, where circadian-driven cortical activation was assumed to be low, and again in the late morning, where this activation was presumed to be high. As predicted, changes in the central characteristics of dream reports mirrored REM/NREM and circadian-driven fluctuations in general activation, while at the same time, the regional activation pattern unique to REM sleep amplified dream emotionality selectively in REM reports.
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The influence of circadian and ultradian factors on dream features and recall rates could be a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings in EEG correlates of dream recall.
“The influence of circadian and ultradian factors on dream features and recall rates52–57 could be a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings in EEG correlates of dream recall.”
From Spotlight on dream recall: the ages of dreams (2018) · cites this paper as [54]
Dream features, as well as quantitative features of sleep, undergo the influence of circadian rhythms.
“Dream features, as well as quantitative features of sleep, undergo the influence of circadian rhythms.52–57”
From Spotlight on dream recall: the ages of dreams (2018) · cites this paper as [54]
Different time of collection of dream report could lead to different qualitative features in dream recall, due to a direct influence of circadian and homeostatic influencing factors.
“Moreover, different time of collection of dream report (ie, in the middle of the night compared to the end or the beginning) could lead to different qualitative features in dream recall, due to a direct influence of circadian and homeostatic influencing factors.52–57”
From Spotlight on dream recall: the ages of dreams (2018) · cites this paper as [54]
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References 55 · Cited by 69
- Authors
- Wamsley, E. J., Hirota, Y., Tucker, M. A., Smith, M. R., & Antrobus, J. S.
- Affiliations
- The Graduate Center, CUNY (US)
- Corresponding author
- Wamsley, Erin J.
- Venue
- Brain Research Bulletin
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2007-01
- Volume
- 71
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 347-354
- ISSN
- 0361-9230 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2024779012
- Cited by
- 69
- References
- 55
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 1.13
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Brain Research Bulletin (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Keywords
- dreams, circadian rhythm, ultradian rhythms, REM sleep, NREM sleep, cortical activation, core body temperature, dream content, regional brain activation
- MeSH terms
- Activity Cycles, Adult, Circadian Rhythm, Dreams, Electroencephalography, Electromyography, Electrooculography, Emotions, Female, Humans, Imagination, Male, Models, Neurological, Problem Solving, Mental Recall, Sleep, Sleep, REM, Speech, Observer Variation
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