what was roffwarg's theory of sleep?

Question

i am studying theories of sleep in AS psychology

Answer 1

The biological function of REM sleep is defined in terms of the functions of neural processes that selectively operate during the REM sleep state. The high amounts of REM sleep expressed by the young during a period of central nervous system plasticity suggest that one function of REM sleep is in development. The phenomenon of activity-dependent development has been clearly shown to be one mechanism by which early sensory experience can affect the course of neural development. Activity-dependent development may be a ubiquitous process in brain maturation by which activity in one brain region can influence the developmental course of other regions. We hypothesize an ontogenetic function of REM sleep; namely, the widespread control of neuronal activity exerted by specific REM sleep processes help to direct brain maturation through activity-dependent developmental mechanisms. Preliminary tests of the hypothesis have been conducted in the developing feline visual system, which has long been known to incorporate information derived from visual experience in establishing neuronal connectivity. We find that suppression of REM sleep processes by an instrumental REM deprivation procedure results in a significant enhancement of the effects of altered visual experience by monocular occlusion. Bilateral brainstem lesions that selectively block the occurrence of ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) waves are sufficient to produce similar results. These data indicate that the propagation of phasic influences during REM sleep interacts with other processes subserving neural development. This source of influence appears not to derive from the environment but rather stems from an intrinsic source of genetic origin. Examination of the neural activity associated with PGO waves in the lateral geniculate nucleus reveals a distribution of facilitatory influence markedly different from that induced by visual experience. We conclude that REM sleep directs the course of brain maturation in early life through the control of neural activity.

Answer 2

"One of the first theories linking REM sleep to memory was offered in 1966 by Roffwarg, Musio and Dement and suggested that repetitive firing of neurons during REM sleep in human fetuses was associated with neuron growth and development, and this synaptic reinforcement continued in adult life during REM sleep. This landmark concept lead to the theory of dynamic stabilization which speculates that information, both inherited or learned, is remembered by repetitive use of the circuits which store the information (4). Dynamic stabilization is the spontaneous firing of these neurons during REM sleep, which would effect the same result on memory as function use. The theory of dynamic stabilization also proposes that REM sleep increases the activity of neuron circuits which are usually dormant during wakefulness. In other words, memories which we don't think about from day to day are relived during REM sleep (in the form of dreams) so that we can remember them when needed (4)."

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