Blood pressure surges in REM sleep: A mini review

Blood pressure displays large fluctuations during REM sleep, a period when skeletal muscle loses activity systemically. Blood pressure rises spontaneously in spike-like surges even with no body movement. The mechanism underlying this unique characteristic of cardiovascular control during REM sleep remains unclear. Where does the source for this blood pressure surge during REM sleep exist? Is it related to dreaming, which is one of the primary characteristics of REM sleep? Are peripheral mechanisms involved in this phenomenon? Here, evidence related to the above-mentioned questions is reviewed.