Kathy Wolfe1, Frank M Ralls2. 1. Department of Neurology, Child Neurology and Pediatric and Adult Sleep Medicine, University of New Mexico. 2. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Board Certified: Sleep Medicine, Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care, Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To understand the importance of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the cognitive and sensorimotor development via neural plasticity during embryonic development and infants. RECENT FINDINGS: REM sleep has remained a mystery as many of the underlying mechanisms of REM sleep remain unclear. Recent findings have demonstrated that REM sleep selectively prunes newly formed dendritic spines in the developing brain as well as strengthening new synapses in the developing brain. This process is critical for normal neuronal circuit development and behavioral improvement after learning. SUMMARY: Although many mechanisms of REM sleep remain unclear, recent findings strongly suggest that REM sleep is vitally important in pruning synapses as well as maintaining new synapses for the development of a healthy brain. Developmental neuroplasticity refers to the continuous change of the developing brain during fetal development. Lack of plasticity may result in reduced intellectual ability, reduced learning and memory consolidation, and mental illness.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To understand the importance of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in the cognitive and sensorimotor development via neural plasticity during embryonic development and infants. RECENT FINDINGS: REM sleep has remained a mystery as many of the underlying mechanisms of REM sleep remain unclear. Recent findings have demonstrated that REM sleep selectively prunes newly formed dendritic spines in the developing brain as well as strengthening new synapses in the developing brain. This process is critical for normal neuronal circuit development and behavioral improvement after learning. SUMMARY: Although many mechanisms of REM sleep remain unclear, recent findings strongly suggest that REM sleep is vitally important in pruning synapses as well as maintaining new synapses for the development of a healthy brain. Developmental neuroplasticity refers to the continuous change of the developing brain during fetal development. Lack of plasticity may result in reduced intellectual ability, reduced learning and memory consolidation, and mental illness.