Animal Dreaming and Substantiation-A Connection to Humanity

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Animal sleep is presented in various patterns like hibernation, nocturnal activity, and even napping! For example, penguins rarely sleep in case of abrupt attacks of predators. They sleep in standing positions for only a few minutes to provide security. In some occasions, penguins take naps in the ocean after a full meal. In contrast, brown bats spend generally nineteen hours just on sleeping hanging upside down. As these examples demonstrate, the state of sleeping in animals is confirmed based on scientific research. The evidence of animal sleep is obvious, mainly characterized by temporary unconsciousness, non-responsiveness to external stimuli, and passivity in movement. Although animal sleeping is corroborated by these common symptoms, animal dreaming is a controversial issue in the scientific field. Many scholars are opposed to the state of animal dreaming because verbal description lacks and data is limited to those collected through visual means. However,animal dreaming should not be disregarded on account of three scientific elements; particular brain activity, specific stages of sleep, and involuntary body movements.
First of all, the brain activity of sleeping animals is considerably related to humanity. The first similarity is the brain wave patterns during animal sleep. Human sleeping is usually accompanied by weak Alpha waves and strong Theta waves. The electrical activity of the animal brain was measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) in the early research conducted by Dr. William C. Dement, the founder of the Sleep Research Center. Accordingly, Alpha waves disappeared and Theta waves appeared strongly making a match with human brain waves. Another explanation is the distinctive pattern of neurons which is created ...

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...f animal sleep is verified by scientific methods and the comparison of humanity and animals. More academic study of animal sleeping patterns and habits accompanies the potential to benefit brain disorders in humans. Currently, the study of animal dreaming and memory is in progress to reveal the cause of memory impairment. Matthew Wilson, professor of brain sciences at MIT, commented “It could be a valuable tool in treating memory disorders such as amnesia or Alzheimer’s disease, or it may help devise ways for people to learn and memorize more effectively.” The mass potential of animal dreaming research should not be interfered by discredit of the academia. To put it briefly, since animal dreaming is scientifically supported by certain brain activity, stage of REM sleep and non-REM sleep, and subconscious movement, constant attention and research should be continued.

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