The role of Stage Rem in learning and memory : An EEG sleep study

Two subjects slept two nights each in the laboratory while EEG recordings were made. Awake resting recordings were taken before and after each sleep period. Data was analyzed by running it through an analog computer which band pass filtered the EEG and wrote out power spectral functions for each frequency band. Integrators computed the amount of power in each frequency band and gave a digital output. Statistical controls were used to correct the data for muscle artifact and adjusted data were compared using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. Frequencies analyzed were 23% one-third octave bands centered at 31.5, 40, and 50 Hz., and a 70 Hz. muscle control. EEG leads were in the occipital region. 1. Subjects showed individual differences in the different frequency bands. 2. When the two subjects were combined data could, with few exceptions, be divided into two classifications with St-1, St-Rem and awake in one group and St-2 and St-4- in the other group. Muscle control was discussed but not resolved. Evidence was presented for emphasizing the similarities between St-Rem and awake. Suggestions for future research were made based on the review and findings in the present study.Psychology, Department o