How and Why Do We Dream?
According to dream expert Michael Breus, not a day goes by without someone sharing their dreams with him. “My patients, my children, the barista who makes my morning coffee – everyone is eager to understand what their dreams mean,” he says. It’s a natural curiosity. Dreams are a remarkable and enigmatic phenomenon that eludes easy comprehension. Let’s attempt to lift the veil of mystery.
1. What is the Purpose of Dreams?
Scientists have long grappled with the puzzle of dreams, offering various hypotheses about their nature. Some specialists believe that dreams serve no specific purpose and are merely a byproduct of other processes occurring in the sleeping brain. Conversely, others attribute a unique role to dreams. According to some theories, dreams may:
- Archive knowledge and experiences: By transferring images from short-term to long-term memory, the brain clears space for the next day’s information.
- Support emotional balance: Dreams may reprocess complex, tangled, or anxious thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
- Provide a unique state of consciousness: Connecting past, present, and future to reassess past and current events and prepare for new challenges.
- Act as a brain workout: Training the brain for potential threats, risks, and real-life challenges.
- Respond to biochemical changes and electrical impulses during sleep.
It’s most accurate to assert that dreams serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
What is the Nature of Dreams? Do Everyone Experience Them?
A dream can be described as a collection of images, impressions, events, and sensations transmitted by our consciousness. Some dreams resemble movies, with a clear plot, intrigue, and characters. Others are chaotic, filled with emotions and fragmented visual images.
Typically, a “session” of nightly dreaming lasts for about two hours, during which we may experience three to six dreams. Most dreams last between 5 to 20 minutes.
“People often say they don’t dream,” shares Michael Breus. “You may not remember them, but it doesn’t mean you didn’t have them. Everyone dreams; many of us simply forget most of our dreams as soon as we wake up.”
2. Why Do Some People Not Remember Their Dreams?
While some can vividly recount their dreams, others only retain vague memories or none at all. This can be attributed to several factors. Researchers suggest that the ability to remember dreams depends on patterns established by the brain. The capability to remember dreams is likely linked to an individual’s model of interpersonal relationships, shaping how they connect with the world.
Another factor is the fluctuation in hormonal levels throughout the night. During Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the phase associated with intense dreaming, cortisol levels rise. Cortisol inhibits the connection between brain regions responsible for memory consolidation.
“You can dream, but you may not remember. It’s about how many of us forget a significant portion of our dreams. They dissipate as soon as we wake up,” notes Michael Breus.
3. When and Where Do Dreams Occur?
Dreams predominantly occur during the REM phase of sleep, constituting approximately 25% of the total sleep time in adults. The REM phase is characterized by vivid dreaming and heightened brain activity, similar to that during wakefulness.
As for the location of dreams, they unfold within the complex landscape of the mind. The brain, a powerful and intricate organ, choreographs these nocturnal narratives, weaving together memories, emotions, and imagination.
In conclusion, the realm of dreams remains a captivating subject that continues to intrigue scientists and individuals alike. Whether they serve as a mental archive, an emotional outlet, or a rehearsal for real-life challenges, dreams contribute to the intricate tapestry of human experience.
FAQs
How and Why Do We Dream?
According to dream expert Michael Breus, dreams serve multiple purposes simultaneously. They may archive knowledge, support emotional balance, provide a unique state of consciousness, act as a brain workout, and respond to biochemical changes during sleep.
What is the Nature of Dreams? Do Everyone Experience Them?
A dream can be described as a collection of images, impressions, events, and sensations transmitted by our consciousness. Typically lasting two hours, we may experience three to six dreams during this time, with most dreams lasting between 5 to 20 minutes. Everyone dreams; many simply forget most of their dreams upon waking.
Why Do Some People Not Remember Their Dreams?
Some people vividly recount their dreams, while others retain vague memories or none at all. This can be attributed to factors such as individual brain patterns and fluctuations in hormonal levels, particularly during REM sleep, inhibiting memory consolidation.
“You can dream, but you may not remember. It’s about how many of us forget a significant portion of our dreams. They dissipate as soon as we wake up,” notes Michael Breus.
When and Where Do Dreams Occur?
Dreams predominantly occur during the REM phase of sleep, constituting approximately 25% of the total sleep time in adults. The REM phase is characterized by vivid dreaming and heightened brain activity, similar to that during wakefulness.
As for the location of dreams, they unfold within the complex landscape of the mind. The brain, a powerful and intricate organ, choreographs these nocturnal narratives, weaving together memories, emotions, and imagination.
