Octopuses: Dreaming in REM-like Sleep Patterns, Just Like Humans

Octopuses have sleep patterns remarkably similar to humans, transitioning between a "quiet" stage and an "active" stage resembling REM sleep. During the active stage, their arms and eyes twitch, their breathing quickens, and their skin flashes with vibrant colors, suggesting they may even dream. Researchers found that octopuses cycle through the same skin patterns while sleeping, potentially practicing camouflage or reactivating patterns associated with waking experiences. The study highlights the similarities between octopus and human sleep behavior, suggesting that possessing an active sleep stage may be a general feature of complex cognition. The findings indicate that sleep, and potentially dreaming, is a fundamental need for life.