How our dreams occur
Since ancient times, dreams have captured the human imagination, seen as windows to other worlds, divine messages, or reflections of the unconscious mind. Today, thanks to neuroscience and psychology, we know that dreams are not only a personal experience, but also a complex phenomenon with critical functions for our brain. This article delves into the meaning, theories, and importance of dreams, drawing on scientific and cultural findings.
Definition of dreams.
Dreams are subjective experiences that occur during sleep, in which we perceive images, sounds, sensations and emotions. They usually occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, a stage of sleep in which the brain is highly active, almost at the level of when we are awake. Despite this intense brain activity, the muscles of the body are paralyzed to prevent us from physically acting out what we dream.
Most dreams are not remembered. This is because during REM sleep, the frontal lobes—responsible for memory and logical reasoning—are less active, making it difficult for dream memories to be stored in long-term memory.
The biological purpose of dreams.
Neuroscience has made progress in understanding why we dream. According to Monica Andersen, a researcher at the Sleep Institute in Brazil, dreams play a fundamental role in the organization and consolidation of memory. During REM sleep, the brain processes information acquired during the day, discarding the irrelevant and strengthening important memories. This process is essential for learning and cognitive development.
Another theory suggests that dreams help regulate emotions and stress. By "rehearsing" social or threatening situations in a safe environment, dreams may prepare people to face challenges in real life, a concept known as Threat Simulation Theory.
Psychological perspective: Freud and Jung.
The psychological interpretation of dreams has evolved significantly. Sigmund Freud, considered the father of psychoanalysis, believed that dreams were a manifestation of the unconscious, where repressed desires and internal conflicts were expressed. According to Freud, many dream symbols are loaded with hidden meanings related to sexuality and emotions.
On the other hand, Carl Jung saw dreams as a tool to explore the collective unconscious, a set of archetypal images shared by all humanity. According to Jung, dreams not only reflect the individual psychological state, but can also offer creative solutions to everyday life problems.
Dreams in culture and spirituality.
Throughout history, dreams have held a central place in many cultures and religions. In ancient Mesopotamia, dreams were believed to be messages from the gods, while in indigenous cultures in the Americas they were seen as spiritual visions. In ancient Egypt, priests interpreted dreams to predict the future.
Today, cultural interpretations of dreams vary widely. For example, dreaming about water can symbolize deep emotions or the need for purification according to different traditions. These interpretations show how dreams are shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and cultural contexts.
Lucid Dreaming: Controlling the Dream World.
One of the most fascinating phenomena related to dreams is lucid dreaming. In these, the dreamer is aware that he or she is dreaming and can, in some cases, control the events of the dream. Approximately 50% of people have experienced a lucid dream at least once in their life.
The practice of lucid dreaming is not only intriguing from a personal standpoint, but also has therapeutic applications. For example, they can be used to treat recurring nightmares, providing the dreamer with greater control over their dream experiences.
Nightmares: The dark side of dreams.
Nightmares are dreams that cause fear, anxiety, or distress. Although common, recurring nightmares can be a sign of stress or psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On a biological level, nightmares activate the amygdala, the region of the brain responsible for processing intense emotions, which explains why they feel so real.
The role of dreams in creativity.
Many people have found inspiration in their dreams. For example, writer Mary Shelley conceived the idea for Frankenstein in a dream, and chemist Friedrich Kekulé discovered the structure of benzene after an eye-opening dream. This reinforces the idea that dreams can be a source of creativity, helping the brain connect seemingly disparate ideas in an unrestricted environment.
Science and dreams: Open questions.
Despite scientific advances, many questions about dreams remain unanswered. Why are some dreams vivid and others blurry? Why do we dream about certain subjects? Studies continue to explore these questions, using tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map brain activity during sleep.
Some researchers speculate that dreams might simply be a byproduct of brain activity, while others believe they serve essential adaptive functions. What is clear is that dreams are an integral part of our human experience and deserve further exploration.
Dreams are a window into the inner workings of the brain and a connection to our emotions, memories, and creativity. While there is still much to discover, we do know that dreams play a crucial role in our mental, cognitive, and emotional health. Whether we view them as messages from the unconscious, coping mechanisms, or flashes of imagination, dreams remain a fascinating field of research and reflection.
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