Fun Facts About Dreams

Dreams have fascinated mankind since time immemorial. From ancient civilizations to modern science, dreams have been studied, interpreted, and in many cases, revered for their mystery and ability to reflect aspects of human life that go beyond the conscious. Although we all dream every night, there are many aspects about dreams that remain unknown or poorly understood. In this article, we will explore some curious facts about dreams that you may not have known and that reveal just how amazing this phenomenon is.

Do we all dream?

One of the most common questions is whether everyone dreams. The answer is yes: everyone dreams, even if they don't remember their dreams when they wake up. During the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase, which is the stage of sleep in which dreams are most vivid, brain activity is intense. In fact, it is believed that we spend around 20% of our night in the REM phase, which equates to about two hours of dreaming per night. Although some people think that they don't dream because they can't remember their dreams, the reality is that we all do, but our ability to remember them varies.

Most dreams are quickly forgotten.

Interestingly, we forget 90% of our dreams shortly after waking up. There are studies that suggest that dreams fade so quickly because the brain prioritizes memories related to reality or the events of the day. This rapid loss of dreams may be related to chemicals in the brain that help consolidate long-term memory. During sleep, these chemicals are at lower levels, which could explain why dreams slip so easily from our minds upon waking.

Dreams can help solve problems.

The concept that dreams can be a tool for solving problems is not new. In fact, many people report finding solutions to complex situations or answers to important dilemmas while asleep. This makes sense when you consider that during sleep, the mind is not limited by the logical constraints of the conscious state. In the dream world, the brain can connect ideas and concepts in new and creative ways, making problem solving easier. Some inventors and artists, such as Salvador Dali and Nikola Tesla, have used dreams as a source of inspiration for their work.

Dreams in black and white.

Today, most people dream in color, but before the rise of color television in the 1960s, people were more frequently reported dreaming in black and white. Studies suggest that exposure to black and white television affected people's perception of their dreams. Today, only about 12% of people dream in black and white, and this phenomenon tends to be more common in people over 55.

The phenomenon of lucid dreaming.

A lucid dream is one in which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and, in many cases, has the ability to control what happens in the dream. Lucid dreams can be incredibly vivid and detailed, and some people use them to experience situations that are impossible in real life, such as flying or exploring imaginary worlds. Although it is not common for everyone to experience lucid dreams regularly, it is believed that between 55% and 75% of people have had them at least once in their lives.

Nightmares and night terrors.

Although dreams can be pleasant or exciting, they can also be frightening. Nightmares are distressing dreams that usually occur during the REM phase and can cause a person to wake up. They are most common in childhood, but adults also experience them. On the other hand, night terrors are different from nightmares. They usually occur in a deeper stage of sleep and cause screaming, sudden movements, and an intense feeling of fear, although the person experiencing them rarely remembers what they dreamed. Night terrors are often related to stress, lack of sleep, or health problems.

Animals also dream.

If you've ever watched a dog moving its paws or making noises while sleeping, chances are it's dreaming. Studies have shown that many animals, including mammals and some birds, experience sleep phases similar to humans, including REM sleep and body movements that indicate they're dreaming. Researchers believe that, like humans, animals dream about everyday situations, such as hunting or playing.

Recurring dreams.

Recurring dreams are those that repeat themselves several times over time. They are often related to unresolved situations or worries in the dreamer's life. Some common examples of recurring dreams include being chased, being late for an important event, or losing your teeth. These dreams tend to appear during times of stress or anxiety, and may be a sign that something in the dreamer's life needs to be addressed.

Premonitory dreams.

Although there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that dreams can predict the future, many people claim to have experienced precognitive dreams. These are dreams that seem to anticipate events that have not yet occurred in the dreamer's life. A famous example of a precognitive dream is that of President Abraham Lincoln, who dreamed about his own death just days before he was assassinated. While it is difficult to determine whether these dreams are coincidences or whether they actually have some predictive power, the fact is that precognitive dreams are a phenomenon that has intrigued people for centuries.

The blind also dream.

People who were born blind do not dream of visual images, but their dreams involve other senses such as sound, touch, smell, and taste. Those who lost their sight later in life may still experience visual images in their dreams, although these tend to fade over time. The dreams of blind people demonstrate that dreams do not rely solely on sight, but are a representation of the entire sensory world.

The brain does not "rest" while we dream.

Even though the body is at rest during sleep, the brain is incredibly active. In fact, some areas of the brain are more active during REM sleep than when we are awake. During this phase, the brain processes emotions, organizes memories, and solves problems, which explains why dreams often reflect our daily worries and recent experiences.

Interpretation of dreams.

Throughout history, many cultures have viewed dreams as divine or prophetic messages. In Ancient Egypt, for example, priests interpreted dreams as messages from the gods, while in Ancient Greece, dreams were seen as a means of communication with the spiritual world. Although today we tend to view dreams from a more psychological perspective, the fascination with their interpretation remains.

The "Tetris effect" in dreams.

The "Tetris effect" is a phenomenon that occurs when a person spends so much time doing an activity that they begin to dream about it. For example, after spending hours playing Tetris, many people report seeing the game's shapes in their dreams. This phenomenon isn't limited to video games alone; it can also occur with activities like driving, swimming, or solving math problems.

Why can dreams be strange or illogical?

Dreams are often bizarre or illogical because the areas of the brain responsible for rational thought and logic are less active during REM sleep. This allows the brain to form unusual connections between ideas and concepts, resulting in dreams that often seem absurd or meaningless. Despite their seemingly random nature, dreams often reflect our deepest emotions and concerns.

Dreams are a fascinating window into the human mind. Through them, we can explore our emotions, solve problems, and in some cases, even find creative inspiration. While there is still much to learn about dreams, what we do know so far reveals just how intricate and wonderful this natural brain process is. These curious facts remind us that even though dreams are an everyday phenomenon, they are full of mystery and wonder.