Why Do We Dream?
This topic has fascinated philosophers and scientists alike and also those of us with curious minds for centuries. We explore here some of the theories about why and how we dream:
One popular theory, proposed by Sigmund Freud, proposes that dreams are a way for our unconscious minds to process thoughts (psyshological processing) , feelings, and desires that we may not be even aware of nor ready to confront in our waking daily lives. The theory is known by the name of the “wish-fulfillment” theory. As we sleep, our brains are likely sorting through the day’s experiences, consolidating important information, and disposing of what is not needed. Some researchers believe that dreams play a critical role in consolidating and organising our memories. ( memory consolidation)
We may be better equipped to handle emotions in real life because dreams possibly help us process and regulate our emotions by replaying and working through emotional experiences in a safe, simulated environment, (Emotional Regulation). An alternative theory posits that dreams help keep our brains active and functioning at its best (Cognitive Functioning). By creating a virtual reality during sleep, our brains stay occupied and maintain cognitive flexibility.
How Do We Dream?
Dreaming occurs mainly during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, this is when our brains are highly active. During this stage, certain areas of the brain, like the amygdala and hippocampus, are more active, while others, like the prefrontal cortex, are not as much. This distinctive pattern of brain activity may contribute to the vivid and frequently strange nature of dreams. Various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, play a role in regulating sleep and dreaming. Changes in the levels and interactions of these chemicals can influence the content and intensity of our dreams. Our brains can combine external stimuli, like sounds or physical sensations, into our dreams. This is why you might dream about being in a rainstorm when, in reality, it’s raining outside. The exact purpose and mechanisms behind dreaming are still a subject of ongoing research, but these theories offer fascinating insights into the mysterious realm of our nightly escapades.
Dreams can occur during both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep, but there are some key differences between the two:
REM dreams are generally much more vivid and intense, sometimes even strange. The heightened brain activity during this stage provides more elaborate and absorptive dream experiences.
REM dreams often have a narrative structure, a story-like quality with a clear sequence of events and characters. You may feel like you are watching a movie or you are actually in a movie. Dreams during REM sleep tend to be more emotionally charged. This stage is associated with the activation of the amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions, which may explain the strong emotional content.
People are more likely to remember their dreams if they wake up during or shortly after a REM period. The vivid and emotional nature of REM dreams makes them easier to remember or recall.
Non-REM Dreams
Non-REM dreams are generally less vivid and more fragmented compared to REM dreams. They may consist of simple thoughts, images, or sensations rather than elaborate narratives.
Dreams during non-REM sleep tend to be more mundane and less emotionally intense. The brain activity during this stage is lower, leading to a calmer and less dramatic dream experience. Non-REM dreams often lack a coherent storyline and may be more fragmented. They might feel like fleeting images or snapshots rather than a continuous sequence of events. Non-REM dreams are less likely to be remembered upon waking. The simpler and less intense nature of these dreams makes them more difficult to recall.
Sleep Stages And Dreaming
REM Sleep- This stage occurs in cycles throughout the night, with each cycle lasting about 90 minutes. REM sleep periods become longer as the night progresses, allowing for more extended and vivid dreams.
Non-REM Sleep- This stage is divided into three phases (N1, N2, and N3). Dreams can occur in all these phases, but they are more common and vivid during the later stages of non-REM sleep, particularly N3, which is also known as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep.
Understanding these differences helps illuminate how our brains function during various stages of sleep and how this impacts our dream experiences.
The ongoing research on dreaming encompasses various studies and projects conducted by different researchers and institutions around the world. However, some notable areas of current research include:
The Connection Between Dreaming, the Brain, and Mental Functioning: This research explores how dreaming relates to brain activity and mental processes.
Breakthroughs in Dream Research: Recent studies have focused on understanding the purpose of dreams, the possibility of lucid dreaming, and the potential for communication during dreams.
The Function of Dreams: Researchers are investigating how dreams may aid in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning.
These areas of research are part of a broader effort to understand the complex and multifaceted nature of dreaming. If you’re interested in looking further into this topic, you might like to look into publications from journals like Sleep, Research Directions: Sleep Psychology, and Psychological Bulletin.
Critch & TC
Photo by Илья Мельниченко on Unsplash
Sources:
Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams. Sigmund Freud’s seminal work on dream theory and the unconscious mind.
Stickgold, R. (2005). Sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Nature, 437(7063), 1272-1278. This article discusses how
Walker, M. P., & van der Helm, E. (2009). Overnight therapy? The role of sleep in emotional brain processing. Psychological Bulletin, 135(5), 731-748. This paper explores the role of sleep in processing and regulating emotions.
Stickgold, R., Hobson, J. A., Fosse, R., & Fosse, M. (2001). Sleep, learning, and dreams: off-line memory reprocessing. Science, 294(5544), 1052-1057. This article examines the relationship between sleep, learning, and dreaming.
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