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Octopuses have a REM-like sleep state where they appear to dream

By looking at electrical signals octopuses produce in their brain while asleep and awake, researchers have gathered some of the best evidence yet that the cephalopods dream

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

28 June 2023

Octopus laqueus having a sleep

Octopus laqueus having a sleep

OIST

Octopuses have two stages of sleep, including an active one in which they appear to dream, according to one of the most conclusive studies of their brainwaves and skin patterns yet.

When people sleep, we cycle through four stages. One of these is the rapid eye movement (REM) stage where brain activity increases and we dream, and the others where our brains are more quiet are called non-rapid eye movement (NREM). Birds and mammals like mice also cycle between a REM and a NREM stage,…

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