In our nightly slumber, our minds weave intricate stories, whether they be pleasant dreams or haunting nightmares. But have you ever pondered the purpose behind these nocturnal visions? Are they laden with significance, or merely random figments of our imagination? In this blog I will discuss why we dream and the reasons behind it.
Even with our eyes shut tight, our brains conjure vivid imagery, granting us the sensation of sight. This phenomenon transcends the need for physical vision, allowing even those without sight to experience the vivid landscapes of dreaming.
Why do people dream?
We go through various phases or parts of sleep when we sleep at night. One of these is called REM (Rapid Eye Movement), and dreams occur during this phase of sleep. Even with our eyelids closed, during the REM phase of sleep, our eyes move quickly in various directions. Our body is currently paralyzed, but the brain is still awake for the majority of the day.
Scientists believe that the brain consolidates our memories and processes emotional feelings during the REM stage of sleep. It’s like cleaning up the memories and mental state of the day. About 20 percent of our sleep is in the REM stage. Also, when sleep is late, REM increases. So you dream more towards the end of sleep.
During our nightly rest, our minds create rich narratives, whether they’re delightful dreams or unsettling nightmares. But have you ever questioned why we experience these nocturnal adventures? Do they hold profound meanings, or are they simply random constructs of our minds? In this article, we explore the enigma of dreaming, seeking to understand its origins and purposes.
With closed eyes, our brains paint intricate scenes, providing us with the illusion of sight. This fascinating process enables individuals, including those who are blind, to immerse themselves in the fantastical realms of dreaming.
Lucid Dream
Have you ever experienced a dream where you realize, “Wait, I’m dreaming,” and suddenly find yourself in control, able to shape the dream however you please, much like directing a movie? This phenomenon is known as lucid dreaming.
In a lucid dream, you’re not merely an observer; you have the power to alter and manipulate the dream at will. Whether you want to soar through the sky or explore the depths of the ocean, the possibilities are endless. Lucid dreaming is all about embarking on exciting adventures.
What’s fascinating is that you can have lucid dreams as frequently as you desire. To achieve this, you may need to wake up before reaching the REM stage of sleep and then return to sleep before fully awakening. With practice, you can become adept at lucid dreaming.
Despite delving into various aspects of dreaming, questions continue to arise, showcasing the endless curiosity surrounding this subject. Let’s explore the answers to some common questions about dreams.
Who do we dream of?
In dreams we mainly see familiar people with familiar faces. Although a person’s face is not so clearly understood in a dream, it can be correctly guessed by looking at the shape. Sometimes we can also see strangers whom we may have met on the street or elsewhere. We usually see the people around us in our dreams.
Do blind people dream?
Yes, blind people dream too. Even people blind from birth. But no one has a face in their dreams. And those who lose their eyesight long after birth have dreams much like ours.
Dreams remain enigmatic puzzles, even in this era of scientific advancement. Despite our vast knowledge, there’s still much we don’t understand about them. Simply embrace the experience, relishing the joys of pleasant dreams while shrugging off the unsettling ones.
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Writer:
Rupsana Hasan
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE