When Dreams Make You Move

What happens if you dream about running, and your body actually tries to do it?

Normally, a specific part of your brainstem—the pons—acts like a safety switch,

suppressing your muscle tone during REM sleep so you stay still. But researchers

found that if this area is damaged, the "safety switch" fails. In a condition called

REM sleep behavior disorder, animals and humans physically act out their dreams—attacking

imaginary objects or even attempting to walk while still being fast asleep. It is a rare,

direct look at how dream imagery and motor programs can collide when the brain’s inhibitory

system is disrupted. Curious about the "hidden motors" of your dreams? Check out our full