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Are we conscious when we are asleep?

Bernard Norman
London, UK

This issue is complicated because it raises the question of what consciousness is. (Although, as an aside, my pet chickens know where they are in their pecking order, so appear to be self-aware and therefore conscious.)

I work as an anaesthetist and would argue that one is conscious when asleep. On waking in the morning, one is aware of events during the night, even if not fully woken up by them (for example, a partner joining you in bed or a rainstorm outside).

In addition, there is awareness…