Scientists Say , Spiders Exhibit Signs , of R.E.M. Sleep.<br />In a report published on August 8, researchers reveal their work studying Evarcha arcuata, a type of jumping spider, to determine if spiders dream.<br />Scientists say that Evarcha arcuata twitch their legs and move their eyes, showing something similar to rapid eye movement, or R.E.M. sleep. .<br />R.E.M. is the sleep phase during which <br />dreaming occurs for humans and other animals <br />scientists believe are capable of dreaming. .<br />According to this study, R.E.M. sleep may be more common among animals than previously believed.<br />If this is true, it may help scientists solve the mystery of dreams' purpose and evolution.<br />Unlike most spiders, Evarcha arcuata's <br />largest pair of eyes actually move and could <br />therefore replicate something akin to human R.E.M.<br />While observing Evarcha arcuata, scientists noticed a number of hallmarks of R.E.M. sleep, including twitches, relaxed muscles and eye movement.<br />All of them seem to be the same <br />as they are in mammals, Dr. Lauren Sumner-Rooney, Sensory biologist <br />at the Leibniz Institute for Biodiversity and <br />Evolution Research, via 'The New York Times'.<br />Previously, scientists have found <br />evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds, <br />cephalopods and a reptile.<br />Previously, scientists have found <br />evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds, <br />cephalopods and a reptile.<br />Previously, scientists have found <br />evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds, <br />cephalopods and a reptile.<br />Arthropods experiencing R.E.M. sleep suggest that <br />the phenomenon of dreams may be more ancient<br />or universal than previously assumed by science
