Understanding an animal's brain has been a long-standing endeavor of scientists. As such, progress has been made with a simulation that finds that octopuses could be capable of dreaming and experiencing REM sleep.
Octopuses and Sleep
According to Science Alert, a simulation into the mind of octupuses has discovered new evidence suggesting they could be capable of dreaming and experiencing REM sleep. However, if these creatures do not experience REM sleep, the study suggests they could be experiencing something very similar.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology's team of scientists embarked on a study to understand the mind of octopuses better. They did this by studying these enigmatic cephalopods' neural activity and changes in coloration simultaneously.
As such, a deep study into these two metrics found much resemblance to their functionality when the octopus is awake. These types of states are similar to those of other animals, when experiencing REM sleep.
Science Alert clarifies that most dreams occur during the REM phase.
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Evolution of Two-Stage Sleep
Leenoy Meshulam, a statistical physicist from the University of Washington in the United States, mentions the evolution of two-stage sleep.
Two-stage sleep has experienced independent evolution in some of the most unexpected creatures. These include the unlikely cephalopods, which specifically include the octopus.
The creatures were described as having large brains but completely different in structure compared to vertebrates.
As such, it was also noted that complex cognition could be why octopuses possess the general feature of active, wake-like stages within their sleep.
Understanding Octopuses and Other Cephalopods
Cephalopods in general, including octopuses, possess wildly different neural architecture compared to other planetary organisms.
Science Alert mentions that while being referred to as "wicked smart," their brains had certain similarities with those of humans.
As such, octopuses are also known for their problem-solving skills, like the famous "opening the jar" trick, as seen in a CBC video uploaded 12 years ago as of press time.
In 2019, a study of another octopus yielded interesting results. As such, the octopus, known as Heidi, exhibited familiar behavior when dozing, including flickering and twitching.
Initial Notion of Octopuses
Initially, it was thought that only vertebrate animals could undergo the REM sleep cycle. With additional evidence found in octopus sleeping patterns, these cephalopods could be capable of REM sleep as well.
Science Alert mentions how other cephalopods also displayed hints of similar REM sleep abilities. For example, a 2012 cuttlefish study found rapid eye movements and other indicators.
As such, these indicators also include body coloration changes and arm twitches, which they attributed to possible REM sleep states.
With evidence of cephalopods, specifically octopuses, capable of REM sleep, this could open a new door to study other species and their sleeping patterns.
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