Scientists are of the opinion that octopuses can dream like humans

New research has found that octopuses sleep It is surprisingly similar to that of humans.s, transition between two phases of sleep, Quiet active one similar to Rapid eye movement stage of mammals, as published in the journal Nature.

researchers Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), in Japan, In cooperation with University of Washington (USA), They closely examined brain activity and skin patterning Octopus (“Octopus laqueus”) During this active period of sleep I found it to be very similar to the neural activity and skin pattern seen upon awakening.

As it happens in mammals Wake-like activity (i.e. the state in which you are awake) during rapid eye movement (REM) sleepthe stage in which most dreams occur.

The study highlights the remarkable similarities between behavior during octopus dream and human dream, It provides fascinating data on the origin and function of sleep.

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Study characteristics

First of all, the scientists checked whether the octopuses were actually asleep during this active period. They studied how octopuses respond to physical stimuli and discovered that in both the quiet and active stages of sleep, The octopuses required a stronger stimulus before the reaction, compared to when they were awake.

The team also found that if an octopus was prevented from sleeping or interrupted during the active sleep phase, Octopuses entered active sleep early and frequently.

“This compensatory behavior confirms that the active phase of sleep is necessary for the octopuses to function properly,” he says. Aditi Pophale, study co-author and doctoral student at OIST.

The researchers also delved into the octopus’s brain activity when they were awake and asleep. During quiet sleep, the scientists observed distinct brain waves very similar to certain waveforms seen during non-REM sleep in mammalian brains, called sleep spindle.

Although the exact function of these waves is not clear even in humans, Scientists believe they help solidify memories. Using a state-of-the-art microscope designed by study co-author Dr. Tomoyuki Mano, the researchers determined that these sleep spindle-like waves are produced in areas of the octopus’s brain. related to learning and memory Which indicates that these waves could have humanoid function.

The hypothesis behind the octopus dream

According to scientists, the similarities between states of active sleep and wakefulness can be explained by different reasons. One theory is that octopuses They may be exercising their skin patterns to improve wakefulness camouflage behaviour, Or simply preserve the pigment cells.

Another interesting idea is that of an octopus perhaps relive and learn from waking experiences, Like hunting or hiding from a predator, reactivating the skin pattern associated with each experience. In other words, they could do something similar to a dream.

In this sense, while humans can only verbally state the kind of dreams they had once awakeAn octopus’ skin pattern acts as a visual readout of brain activity during sleep. ” Professor Reiter explains.

“at the moment We don’t know any of these explanations, If there is one, it might be true. “We are very interested in continuing the investigation,” he concluded.

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