What are dreams?
Dreams are images that come to us during sleep. The content of dreams are as unique and varied as we are. Since we are in an altered state of consciousness when we dream, the content is not something we can usually determine beforehand. Dreams generally contain the contents of our daytime activity. Some people believe they contain something more. There are numerous theories of dreams, which consider what dreams are and the functions they serve the dreamer.
When do we dream?
Sleep is divided into non-REM and REM. There are four stages to non-REM sleep: stage 1 -- the onset of sleep, stage 2 -- light sleep, stage 3 -- deep sleep and stage 4 -- deep sleep. Finally we enter REM sleep. This is similar to stage 1 but is accompanied by rapid eye movement which is where the eyes move5B4 rapidly beneath the eyelids. We cycle through these stages throughout a nights sleep.
It used to be believed that we only dream when we are in REM sleep. Researchers discovered that upon waking participants during REM sleep were usually able to recall a dream they were having. However, it has since been discovered that REM sleep and dreams are probably two independent entities. The mechanisms responsible for dreaming and REM have been shown to be located in different parts of the brain. Also, there have been studies of brain injury patients who continue to experience REM sleep but no longer dream.
Dreams during REM sleep
Dreams can occur during the stages of deep sleep. We also sometimes dream early on in sleep, before the onset of the first REM cycle. However, it is likely that we experience the majority of our dreams during REM sleep.
Some argue that most nightmares occur during REM sleep. It is also thought that the dreams we have during REM sleep are the most vivid and the ones we are most likely to remember. Interestingly, medication that interferes with REM sleep has an affect on our dreams. For example, some antidepressants halt REM sleep yet increase dreaming.
Who dreams?
Despite what some people may claim, we all dream. It is just that we do not always remember dreaming. Some people are far better at recalling their dreams than others. The exception to this is when the area 5B4in the brain responsible for dreaming is damaged. This can stop a person from dreaming.
How often do we dream?
On average, we have four dreams a night. Yet we generally are only able to recollect a few minutes worth of the final dream we have before awakening. Bear this in mind if you find yourself agonising over a particular dream you had. It may not be as important as you think it is.
What are lucid dreams?
Lucid dreams are where during a dream you become aware that you are dreaming. With lucid dreams you can then go on to control the events in the dream and manipulate the situation to suit you. Some experts suggest that it is possible to increase lucid dreams.
How important are dreams?
Even today, very little is still known about the function of dreams. Different views persist however about how important dreams are to us. Some argue that dreams are just random brain activity and as such have no benefit to us psychologically or biologically. Therefore, dreams are not important and it is of no value to reflect on them. In contrast, some researchers claim dreams have a biological function. Dreams are what manifest from all the brain work that is taking place in an attempt to organise memories and process our daily activities.
A further explanation suggests that dreams are important to our health and wellbeing. They may aid mental functioning and help us cope with stress.58E It is known that during sleep, the instinctual and motivational part of the brain is highly active, so it is possible that this impacts on our dreams. As such, dreams may bring with them valuable information about our personal goals and motivations.
Whoever is right, I think the important thing is for you to decide how important dreams are to you. If you feel that they do have value, try to use them in a way that benefits you positively.
Copyright Julia Barnard 2007
Julia Barnard is a professional counsellor living in Adelaide, Australia. She provides an online counselling service through her website http://www.makethechange.com.au Julia also writes articles for the website aimed at enhancing wellbeing and promoting good mental health.
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