Rapid eye movement storms in infants: rate of occurrence at 6 months predicts mental development at 1 year.

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Becker, P T; Thoman, E B
Year of Publication: 1981
Journal: Science
Volume: 212
Issue: 4501
Pagination: 1415-6
Date Published: 1981 Jun 19
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 0036-8075
Keywords: Age Factors, Child Development, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Neurons, Sleep, REM
Abstract:

Intense rapid eye movements (REM) during sleep were investigated as a possible indication of delay in the neurodevelopment of infants. The rate of occurrence of REM storms was determined by monitoring the sleep of 15 normal, first-born infants during weeks 2 through 5 and at 3, 6, 12 months. The amount of REM within each 10-second interval of active sleep was rated on a four-point scale based on frequency and intensity of eye movements. When the babies were 12 months old, the Bayley Scales of Mental Development were administered. A significant negative correlation was found between the frequency of REM storms of 14 subjects was also studied. The negative correlation was confirmed. The findings support the suggestion that by 6 months of age REM storms express dysfunction or delay in the development of central inhibitory feedback controls for sleep organization and phasic sleep-related activities.

Alternate Journal: Science
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