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! Q)<96_!@>![+,,-^!O%029$*D!2*&!5'@!6<001!2%0!7)*(%)<<0&!34!&$::0%0*(!3%2$*!907#2*$696>Ä! `%-@<)"#@B&@+*& `#@)+&6?)%+?%(O&ek _!b]PEb.,>! W(*&,!>-001(3! The equation of dreaming and REM sleep has massive implications for the credibility of psychoanalytic dream theory, for the reason that the brain mechanisms of REM sleep are automatic and “motivationally neutral” (Hobson). This equation was established in humans in the 1950s, but the elucidation of its brain mechanisms was performed mainly in rats and cats, where there is no possibility of monitoring the concomitant effects of REM manipulations on dreaming. This study represents the first systematic attempt to characterise the effects of localised brain lesions on human dreaming (N=361). The results were dramatic: firstly it was found that lesions which obliterate REM sleep do not obliterate dreaming; secondly it was found that lesions which obliterate dreaming do not obliterate REM sleep; and thirdly it was found that lesions which obliterate dreaming are located in forebrain structures responsible for higher cognitive and motivational functions, namely visuospatial perception (parioto-occipital cortex) and reward (mesocortical-mesolimbic dopamine system). :$55$+S-%!2.-'*&2! Researchers at the Sigmund Freud Institute (Frankfurt) and University of Cape Town are using the above-identified patients (non-dreamers with focal brain lesions) to establish the biological function of dreaming as opposed to REM sleep. Freud’s hypothesis that dreams protect sleep is being tested, along with other competing hypotheses. G$#.1/.\! Mark Solms, University of Cape Town (mark.solms@uct.ac.za) Marianne Leuzinger-Bohleber, Sigmund Freud Institute (m.leuzinger-bohleber@sigmund-freud- institut.de)
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