REM sleep is not committed to memory

We believe that this has been a constructive debate oil the topic of memory , consolidation and REM sleep. It was a lively and spirited exchange - the essence of science. A number of issues were discussed including: the pedest al technique, stress, and early REMD work in animals; REM windows; the proc essing of declarative versus procedural memory in REM in humans; a mnemonic function for theta rhythm in waking but not in REM sleep; the lack of cogn itive deficits in patients on antidepressant drugs that suppress or elimina te RE NI sleep; the disposition of conscious (dreams) and nonconscious mate rial of REM sleep; and finally our theory of REM sleep. Although our positi on was strongly challenged, we still hold that REM sleep serves no role in the processing and consolidation of memory.