Association between hemispheric asymmetry and horizontal rapid eye movements during rapid eye movement sleep [REM uykusundaki horizontal hizli göz hareketlerinin hemisferik asimetri ile ilişkisi]

Objective: the origin and functional importance of rapid eye movements (rems) during rem sleep in humans has not been completely understood. it is interesting that rems occur simultaneously with dreaming during rem sleep and central nervous system activation. in the present study,we aimed to measure the directional properties (amplitude and angular values) of horizontal rems (hrems),determine their relationship with age,explain the anatomical and physiological basis of rems,and contribute to the concept of hemispheric asymmetry. method: using standard procedures,25 subjects (age range,19-70 years) were recorded during one night of spontaneous sleep. hrem distribution analysis to the right and left,hrem angular values,and hrem amplitude means were compared during an rem period of one night. result: statistical analysis revealed no significant results that would indicate a hemispheric asymmetry. conclusion: the findings suggested that no hemispheric dominance can be demonstrated for rem sleep,rems,or dream. although some studies have demonstrated the dominance of one hemisphere over the other,others have advocated (also supported by our study) that both hemispheres function in coordination. © 2017,ege university press. all rights reserved.