Dreaming during REM sleep rapidly depletes brain energy
A study conducted by researchers at Tohoku University showed that even though blood flow to the brain increases during REM sleep, cellular energy is rapidly depleted, leading to mental fatigue.
A new scientific study conducted at Tohoku University in Japan revealed that during REM sleep, when dreams occur, ATP—the primary cellular energy of neurons—is rapidly depleted despite an increase in blood flow to the brain.
Research Methodology and Findings
Scientists simultaneously tracked the brain movements of mice in a natural sleeping state using special imaging techniques. The findings showed that a distinct increase in blood flow occurs from the back to the front of the brain just before the classic REM phase.
Energy Consumption and Paradox
Despite this preparation, which increases the brain's refueling, and an elevation in the level of pyruvate, an energy precursor, a sudden drop was recorded in ATP levels, the fundamental energy unit of neurons. Experts stated that this situation explains the biological basis of why dreaming is exhausting.
The Cause of Mental Fatigue
Prof. Dr. Ko Matsui, the leader of the research team, emphasized that although sleep appears peaceful from the outside, the brain is extremely active, especially during dreaming. It was stated that this decline in neuronal energy stems from memory consolidation and intense information transfer.