COMPOSITIONS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR RAPID INDUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CONTINUOUS REM SLEEP

• US 20090198145A1
• Filed: 12/08/2008
• Published: 08/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Harrison Chow
• Original Assignee: Harrison Chow
• Inventors: CHOW, Harrison
• Application Number:
  US12/330,427
• Publication Number:
  US 20090198145A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 514/1.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/374 Detecting the frequency distribution of signals, e.g. detecting delta, theta, alpha, beta or gamma waves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/05 Phenols cannabinoids A61K31/658
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/135 having aromatic rings , e.g. ketamine, nortriptyline methadone A61K31/137
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/137 Arylalkylamines, e.g. amphetamine, epinephrine, salbutamol, ephedrine or methadone
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/167 having the nitrogen of a carboxamide group directly attached to the aromatic ring, e.g. lidocaine, paracetamol
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/4164 1,3-Diazoles
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/4178 not condensed 1,3-diazoles and containing further heterocyclic rings, e.g. pilocarpine, nitrofurantoin
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/4468 having a nitrogen directly attached in position 4, e.g. clebopride, fentanyl
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/5517 condensed with five-membered rings having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. imidazobenzodiazepines, triazolam
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/573 substituted in position 21, e.g. cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone or aldosterone
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/661 Phosphorus acids or esters thereof not having P—C bonds, e.g. fosfosal, dichlorvos, malathion or mevinphos
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 45/06 Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/00 Drugs for disorders of the nervous system

Abstract

Compositions, kits, methods, and systems to induce, maintain, monitor, and interpret a continuous, un-fragmented REM sleep state in humans, generate dreams, recover sleep, create brain neuronal plasticity and activate the brain for cognition enhancement and mood stabilization are described. If potentially combined with other medications, a platform is provided to develop new research and therapies in many fields treating the human brain. The procedure reliably and quickly generates a Continuous REM Sleep cycle of pre-determined time or indefinite duration depending on therapeutic goals, allowing the patient to experience a qualitatively superior dream sleep in a shortened period of time compared to a natural sleep cycle. Profuse positive (pleasant) dreams are produced as well. REM sleep, dreams and sleep recovery can be reliably generated, and various sleep, psychological and neurological illnesses and disorders can be treated or prevented either solely by this method or in combination with additional agents.

Claims

1. A method of inducing and maintaining a Continuous REM Sleep cycle in a subject, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby inducing a Continuous REM Sleep state of the subject.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first hypnotic agent is administered to the subject via bolus injection.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby maintaining a Continuous REM Sleep state of the subject.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are the same.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are different.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is a GABA-A agonist.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is propofol, or its prodrug, metabolite, analog, or derivative.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and the second hypnotic agents are propofol, or its analog, metabolite, prodrug or derivative.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein the second hypnotic agent is administered to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained at 70% to 80% with electromyelogram (EMG) activity present, ocular muscle movement and REM-characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) waveform.

10. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

discontinuing the administration of the second hypnotic agent to awake the subject such that the LOC of the subject is greater than 85% as to the LOC measured when the subject is awake.

11. The method of claim 3, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first hypnotic agent is propofol and administered at a dose of between about 300 mcg and 2000 mcg/kg.

13. The method of claim 3, wherein the hypnosis is measured as a LOC score of less than 60%.

14. The method of claim 3, wherein the hypnosis is measured as a LOC score between 60% and 80%.

15. The method of claim 3, wherein the first and the second hypnotic agents are both propofol and administered at an effective dose such that induction of the Continuous REM Sleep is achieved in less than 5 minutes.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the maintenance of the Continuous REM Sleep lasts for about 5 to 240 minutes, but not more than 240 minutes.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the maintenance of the Continuous REM Sleep lasts for more than 240 minutes.

18. The method of claim 3, wherein the second hypnotic agent is propofol and the maintenance of the Continuous REM Sleep is measured as a LOC score of between 70% and 80% with EMG activity present, ocular muscle movement and REM-characteristic EEG waveform.

19. The method of claim 3, wherein the second hypnotic agent is propofol and administered in continuous infusion between about 25 mcg to about 140 mcg/kg/min for about 5 to 240 minutes for the maintenance of Continuous REM Sleep.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

adjusting the dose of propofol so as to maintain hypnosis and Continuous REM Sleep clinical signs.

21. The method of claim 3, wherein the Continuous REM Sleep state of the subject is determined by monitoring brainwave activity in the subject using a brain function monitor.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein administering to the subject further produces a state in the subject selected from the group consisting of dreams, neuronal plasticity, memory and learning enhancement, mood stabilization, and sleep recovery.

23. A method for inducing and maintaining a Continuous REM Sleep in a subject, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a hypnotic agent such that GABA-mediated inhibition of brain neuronal activity results in stimulation of REM neuronal activity for a period of time of 5 to 240 minutes.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the maintenance of the Continuous REM Sleep lasts for more than 240 minutes.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the hypnotic agent is propofol and administered at a dose of between about 300 mcg and 2000 mcg/kg.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the subject is a human.

27. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising:

a dosage form containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of a hypnotic agent which, when administered to a human, produces GABA-mediated inhibition of brain neuronal activity for a period of time of at least 5 minutes.

28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, where the period of time is between 5 to 240 minutes.

29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, where the period of time is more than 240 minutes.

30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, wherein the dosage form is for oral or parenteral administration.

31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 27, wherein the dosage form is in an injectable formulation suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration.

32. A method for preventing, alleviating symptoms of, or treating a psychological or neurological condition of a subject, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first hypnotic agent is administered to the subject via bolus injection.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol, and ketamine.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are propofol, its prodrug, metabolite, analog, or derivative.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein the psychological or neurological condition is selected from the group consisting of depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep walking, sleep disruptive behaviors, insomnia, sleep and waking disorders, sleep disturbances, hypomania, cyclothymia, bi-polar disorders, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, tension headaches, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), agoraphobia, and Class 5 and Class 6 mental and neurological disorders.

38. The method of claim 34, further comprising:

administering to the subject or person a neurological agent that is different from the first or second hypnotic agent.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

40. A method for achieving a circadian rhythm phase-shifting effect in a person, or treatment, alleviation of symptoms, or prevention of circadian rhythm disorders, comprising:

administering to the person a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, as compared to the LOC measured when the person is awake.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first hypnotic agent is administered to the person via bolus injection.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the person continuously at a dose such that the person remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the person is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the person is awake.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are propofol, its prodrug, metabolite, analog or derivative.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising:

administering to the subject or person a neurological agent that is different from the first or second hypnotic agent.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

53. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

administering to the subject or person a neurological agent that is different from the first or second hypnotic agent.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the neurological agent is selected from the group consisting of ondansetron, dexamethasone, lidocaine, fentanyl, and midazolam.

47. A method for treating a stress related disorder of a subject, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25%, as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first hypnotic agent is administered to the subject via bolus injection.

49. The method of claim 47, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are both propofol, its prodrug, metabolite, analog or derivative.

52. The method of claim 47, wherein the stress related disorder is selected from the group consisting of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Gulf War Syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, somatic, affective, and depressive disorders.

56. A kit, comprising:

a pharmaceutical dosage form containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of a hypnotic agent which, when administered to a human, produces GABA-mediated inhibition of brain neuronal activity for a period of time of at least 5 minutes.

57. The kit of claim 56, wherein the period of time is between 5 to 240 minutes.

58. The kit of claim 56, wherein the period of time is more than 240 minutes.

59. The kit of claim 56, wherein the dosage form is oral or parenteral.

60. The kit of claim 56, wherein the kit contains a syringe prefilled with an injectable formulation of the hypnotic agent in an amount sufficient to induce and/or maintain Continuous REM Sleep.

61. The kit of claim 56, further comprising a neurological agent that is different from the hypnotic agent.

62. The kit of claim 61, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

63. The kit of claim 61, wherein the neurological agent is selected from the group consisting of ephedrine, lidocaine, midazolam, fentanyl, dexamethasone and ondansetron.

64. The kit of claim 56, further comprising:

instructions for how to use the pharmaceutical dosage form for producing Continuous REM Sleep, and/or for treating or preventing a psychological or neurological condition, a stress-related disorder, or a sleep-related or sleep-affected neurological disorder.

65. A system for identifying the presence and strength of REM sleep in a subject, comprising:

a monitoring device for measuring at least two of the four variables i) level of consciousness (LOC), ii) electromyelogram (EMG) activity, iii) ocular muscle (OM) movement, and iv) presence of specific “

REM-like”

electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms;

a processor in communication with the monitoring device for calculating a REM Score based on the at least two of the i)-iv) variables; and

an indicator for identifying the presence and strength of REM sleep in a subject based upon the calculated REM Score.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the monitoring device comprises a REM monitoring strip positionable upon a forehead of the subject.

67. The system of claim 65, wherein the indicator comprises an adjustable audible and/or visual alarm configured to identify when the REM Score reaches a predetermined threshold score of REM sleep activity.

68. The system of claim 67, wherein the indicator further comprises a lower limit alarm to identify when the REM Score is below the predetermined threshold of REM sleep activity.

69. The system of claim 65, wherein the processor is configured to track a time the subject has spent in REM sleep.

70. The system of claim 65, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a REM Intensity score.

71. The system of claim 70, wherein the REM Intensity comprises a frequency of REM EEG waveforms in cycles per second.

72. The system of claim 65, further comprising memory for storing a record of the subject'"'"'s REM sleep parameters.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the parameters are selected from the group consisting of a summary of date, patient identifiers, patient diagnosis, time spent in REM sleep, REM scores, data indicative of LOC, EMG, OM and EEG waveform and variable scores, post-procedure assessment of dreams, data indicative of patient mood changes, data indicative of sleep recovery, cognition and mood enhancement and other therapeutic goals.

74. A method of monitoring a subject undergoing REM Sleep, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake such that a REM sleep state is induced in the subject;

measuring in the subject at least two of four variables including i) level of consciousness (LOC), ii) electromyelogram (EMG) activity, iii) ocular muscle (OM) movement, and iv) presence of specific electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms indicative of a REM-like state; and

maintaining the REM Sleep state in the subject for a predetermined period of time.

75. The method of claim 74, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby maintaining a REM sleep state of the subject.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is a GABA-A agonist.

77. The method of claim 75, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is propofol, or its prodrug, metabolite, analog, or derivative.

78. The method of claim 75, wherein the first and the second hypnotic agents are propofol, or its prodrug, metabolite, analog or derivative.

79. The method of claim 75, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

80. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

administering to the subject or person a neurological agent that is different from the first or second hypnotic agent.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein the neurological agent is selected from the group consisting of ondansetron, dexamethasone, lidocaine, fentanyl, and midazolam.

83. The method of claim 75, wherein the second hypnotic agent is administered to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained at 70% to 80% with electromyelogram (EMG) activity present, ocular muscle movement and REM-characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) waveform.

84. The method of claim 74, wherein measuring further comprises calculating a REM Score based on the at least two of the i)-iv) variables.

85. The method of claim 84, further comprising identifying the presence and strength of a REM Sleep in a subject based upon the calculated dream REM Score.

86. The method of claim 84, further comprising indicating when the REM Score falls below a predetermined threshold value.

87. The method of claim 74, wherein measuring comprises positioning a monitoring strip upon a forehead of the subject.

88. The method of claim 74, wherein maintaining comprises maintaining sufficient REM Score parameters for REM Sleep.

89. The method of claim 74, further comprising terminating the REM sleep state.

90. The method of claim 83, further comprising calculating a REM Score based on the at least two of the i)-iv) variables.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising adjusting an amount of the first hypnotic agent and/or second hypnotic agent to adjust the REM Score.

92. The method of claim 74, wherein measuring further comprises measuring a REM sleep wave frequency or REM Intensity in cycles per second.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising indicating when the REM Intensity surpasses at least one preset level.

94. The method of claim 74, further comprising documenting the REM sleep state

95. The method of claim 74, wherein measuring further comprises measuring a duration of the REM-like state.

96. A method of therapy via production of Continuous REM Sleep, comprising:

administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby inducing a Continuous REM Sleep state in the subject; and

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a cognition enhancing agent or mood stabilization agent while the Continuous REM Sleep state is maintained such that synaptic plasticity in neurons of the subject are created or enhanced.

97. The method of claim 96, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby maintaining a Continuous REM Sleep state of the subject.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is a GABA-A agonist.

99. The method of claim 97, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is propofol, or its prodrug, metabolite, analog, or derivative.

100. The method of claim 97, wherein the first and the second hypnotic agents are propofol, or its analog, metabolite, prodrug or derivative.

101. The method of claim 97, wherein the second hypnotic agent is administered to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained at 70% to 80% with electromyelogram (EMG) activity present, ocular muscle movement and REM-characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) waveform.

102. The method of claim 97, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

103. The method of claim 96, further comprising completing administration of the cognition enhancing agent whereby sleep recovery in the subject is facilitated.

104. The method of claim 96, further comprising completing administration of the cognition enhancing agent whereby memory and learning in the subject is enhanced.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein memory consolidation, declarative memory, non-declarative memory, and emotional memory are enhanced.

106. The method of claim 96, further comprising completing administration of the cognition enhancing agent whereby a mood of the subject is stabilized.

107. The method of claim 96, wherein the cognition enhancing or mood stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

108. The method of claim 96, further comprising controlling a duration and/or intensity of the Continuous REM Sleep state such that the cognition enhancing agent or mood stabilization agent is administered to the subject prior to, during, or after initiation of the Continuous REM Sleep state.

109. A method of correlating a dream state and/or cognition process of a subject undergoing REM Sleep, comprising:

inducing the subject into a REM Sleep state by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake such that a REM Sleep state is induced in the subject;

monitoring REM electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency patterns, electromyelogram (EMG) activity, and ocular muscle (OM) movement of the subject in the REM Sleep state such that a REM Profile of the subject is created;

determining a dream state or cognition activity of the subject while in the REM sleep state; and

correlating the REM Profile to the dream state and cognition activity of the subject to create a REM Index.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein monitoring further comprises recording parameters of the REM profile.

111. The method of claim 109, wherein monitoring further comprises recording patterns and frequencies of at least the REM EEG frequency patterns.

112. The method of claim 109, wherein determining comprises classifying the dream state as a positive dream, negative dream, or neutral dream.

113. The method of claim 109, wherein determining comprises classifying the cognition process as a learning process or memory formation.

114. The method of claim 109, further comprising measuring a REM Intensity of the subject, which comprises measuring REM sleep wave frequency in cycles per second.

115. The method of claim 109, further comprising indicating to a practitioner when a preset REM Profile correlated with a catalogued profile stored in a REM Index has been achieved by the subject.

116. The method of claim 112, further comprising correlating the EMG activity and OM movement of the subject to the dream state or cognition activity.

117. The method of claim 112, further comprising compiling a REM Index database of at least the REM EEG frequency patterns correlated to categorized dream states or cognition activity.

118. The method of claim 109, further comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a cognition or mood enhancing agent prior to, while, or after the REM Sleep state is maintained such that synaptic plasticity in neurons of the subject are created or enhanced.

119. The method of claim 118, further comprising compiling a REM Index database of at least the REM EEG frequency patterns correlated to cognition or mood enhancement activity.

120. A method for identifying a dream state and/or cognition activity of a subject undergoing REM Sleep, comprising:

monitoring REM electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency patterns, electromyelogram (EMG) activity, and ocular muscle (OM) movement of the subject induced in the REM Sleep state such that a REM profile of the subject is created;

comparing at least the REM EEG frequency patterns of the REM Profile to a database which correlates REM Profiles to categorized dream states or cognition activity while in the REM sleep state; and

identifying a dream state or cognition activity of the subject based upon the correlated REM Profile.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein monitoring further comprises recording cognition activity of the REM Profile.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein monitoring further comprises recording patterns and frequencies of at least the REM EEG frequency patterns of the subject to a REM Index.

123. The method of claim 120, wherein categorized dream states comprises positive dreams, negative dreams, and neutral dreams.

124. The method of claim 120, wherein categorized cognition activity comprises dream states indicative of memory and learning processes.

125. The method of claim 120, further comprising correlating the EMG activity and OM movement of the subject to the categorized dream states, cognition activity, and/or emotional state.

126. The method of claim 120, further comprising actuating an alarm when a predetermined dream state or cognition activity is achieved.

127. A method for inducing dreams in a subject, comprising:

administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a first hypnotic agent such that the level of consciousness (LOC) of the subject is reduced to lower than 70% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake such that a Continuous REM Sleep state is induced in the subject; and

measuring in the subject at least two of four variables including i) level of consciousness (LOC), ii) electromyelogram (EMG) activity, iii) ocular muscle (OM) movement, and iv) presence of specific REM electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms indicative of a REM-like state; and

confirming a dream state in the subject based upon the at least two of four variables.

128. The method of claim 127, further comprising:

administering a second hypnotic agent to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained during this period of time at about 50-90%, 60-85%, 65-85%, or 70-80% as compared to the LOC measured when the subject is awake, thereby maintaining a Continuous REM Sleep state of the subject.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are the same.

130. The method of claim 128, wherein the first and second hypnotic agents are different.

131. The method of claim 128, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is a GABA-A agonist.

132. The method of claim 128, wherein the first or the second hypnotic agent is propofol, or its prodrug, metabolite, analog, or derivative.

133. The method of claim 128, wherein the second hypnotic agent is administered to the subject continuously at a dose such that the subject remains in hypnosis and the LOC of the subject is maintained at 70% to 80% with electromyelogram (EMG) activity present, ocular muscle movement and REM-characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms.

134. The method of claim 128, wherein the first or second hypnotic agent is selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, cyclopyrrones, neurosteroids, barbiturates, etomidate, propofol, narcotics, fospropofol and ketamine.

135. The method of claim 128, further comprising:

administering to the subject or person a neurological agent that is different from the first or second hypnotic agent.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the neurological agent is selected from anti-emetics, local anesthetics, steroids, benzodiazepines, neurotransmitters, catecholoamines, serotonin uptake inhibitors, vasopressors, narcotics, anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, nicotinic agonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, glucocorticoids, GABA agonists, NMDA antagonists, NMDA agonists, antipsychotics, ampakines, calcium channel blockers, excitatory amines, monamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, monamines, amphetamines, sympathomimetic amines, antidepressants, cerebral vasodilators, ergot derivatives, pyrrolidinones, free radical scavengers, and neuropeptides.

137. The method of claim 135, wherein the neurological agent is selected from the group consisting of ondansetron, dexamethasone, lidocaine, fentanyl, and midazolam.