It’s universal. All of us dream. Scientists have been studying the dream state to fully understand this aspect of the human consciousness in order to realize its significance in our lives with no definitive answer aside from theories. Species in the animal kingdom dream as well and experience varying phases of sleep. So, what are some of these theories being presented?
To sleep perchance to dream
How is a dream defined? Our dream state, most notably our most vivid dreams, occurs during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase and serves as a processing mechanism to decipher our emotions, thoughts, and images throughout our lives both past and present. These types of dreams we can recall more readily. The non-rapid eye movement phase (non-REM sleep) is less notable for being remembered.
Our dreams can be very intense, some that elicit a sense of joy and wonder and others that are viewed as being frightening nightmares, especially for those subjected to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some dreams seem to make no sense at all. Nevertheless, the dream state has been a fascination, instilling curiosity and intrigue for philosophers and scientists for many millennia.
Some theories about the connotation of dreaming
Dreaming is a combination of innate processes. It allows us to process our emotions, express our deepest desires, and may aid us in realizing potential dangers in our lives. It is essential to our mental, physical, and emotional state.
According to Sigmind Freud’s book “The Interpretation of Dreams,” his theory suggests that dreams are “disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes” with two intrinsic factors. This entails manifest content that involve actual images and latent content that pertain to hidden meanings. In the continual-activation theory, it is proposed that in order to keep the brain active and functioning properly we all dream to serve this purpose. According to dream researcher, G.W. Domhoff, dreams “provide a very good psychological portrait of a person.”
Dream interpretation fascination
In the study of psychology, it’s alleged that symbolism has to be recognized as a reflection on the unique perspectives in our daily lives. Dream interpretation is very subjective with inimitable significance to individuals from various cultures and belief systems. Some symbols even hold a commonality throughout these cultures and belief systems.
Although there isn’t a conclusive theory about why we dream, there are many hypotheses presented. In essence, the dream state is a visual and narrative representation of all of our thoughts and the affiliated emotions and senses.
Some thoughts about symbolism in our dreams
Many of us share a common symbolism in our dream state: that of falling from great heights. According to dream researchers, these types of dreams are a representation for some of losing control or insecurity in our daily waking lives. Perhaps there is a challenge to be faced that we are grappling to overcome.
Another common ubiquitous symbolism entails our teeth; whether that be losing our teeth, decaying teeth, or the emergence of new teeth. Teeth dreams may represent our sense of confidence and self-esteem. However, losing our teeth is quite the opposite, representing our fears and anxieties or how we appear to others.
Being chased by either man or creatures, again can manifest feelings of anxiety or panic. Experts believe these types of dreams may signify some of our uncertainties and our perceived conflicts that need some type of resolution.
Have you ever watched the majestic display of birds in flight and wished you could do the same? Sometimes, while dreaming we imagine ourselves in flight and feel the sensation of being weightless and free, a real out-of-body experience. Although not common as a theme in most dream states, this type of dream can possibly be a representation of our desire for independence, our aspirations, and to overcome any obstacles while in our awake state either in our personal or spiritual lives.
Snake dreams are universal and can be unsettling or terrifying, but dreaming of such in numerous cultures and mythologies is viewed as a potent representation of our emotions whether that be fear, anxiety, or intrigue, for example. A snake that sheds its skin may represent a period of transition in our lives, a time for new beginnings and experiences.
Are you naked in your dreams? If so, are you alone or out in public? This genre of dreams denote feelings of vulnerability, insecurity, or anxiety. We may fear being exposed to others; unveiling our true selves. It can also denote feelings of positivity in that we are free to express ourselves to others or perhaps to be open to the moments in our lives that we have kept disclosed.
The dreaded night terror
Night terrors are most often experienced by children rather than adults. They are not defined as dreams per se, but rather a sudden feeling of fear and can be quite disturbing. They occur when we transition from one sleep phase to another, especially during the REM phase of sleep.
The possible reasons for the occurrence of nightmares can be attributed to medications, irregular sleep, anxiety, mental health issues, and PTSD, to name a few.
When to seek medical assistance
We all look forward to a good night’s sleep. Sometimes sleep disorders can rob you of that opportunity. A sleep disorder manifests itself in various ways and affects our physical and mental health, which in turn reduces one’s quality of life.
If this disorder continues on a consistent basis it may lead to anxiety, depression, and moodiness disrupting your relationship with family and friends. It can also be a precursor to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
There are various sleep disorders with the most common being sleep apnea (abnormal breathing), narcolepsy (falling asleep suddenly at any time of day), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS).
There used to be a time when it was thought that sleeping was a passive occurrence in our lives whereby the brain and the body were in a resting state. Researchers now acknowledge that this is not the case. Both mind and body are very much active.
Keep in mind that the human lifespan consists of one-third to one-quarter spent sleeping. This is a significant percentage. Sleep is constitutive to every bodily process, not only our mental and physical capabilities, but also in our ability to develop our immune system, to help ward off disease, and lower possible chronic diseases. So, sleeping is all encompassing.
Ensure that you get a good night’s sleep tonight. It can make all the difference in your awakened world.