Why Do We Dream? By: Kevin Ram

Suddenly, you find yourself sitting on your comfortable bed and looking at the clock: you notice it’s only 3 AM! Wait, that’s strange… You remember that only a few seconds ago, you were finally on that date with your romantic interest. Damn, now you’re just as disappointed as you are confused. Recalling that this has happened multiple times before, you think back to the other false realities you can remember. You remember that one time you had superpowers and saved the world; and that other night, when you were swarmed by huge spiders! Shivering from the thought, you barely remember the others and some that you can recall didn’t even make sense. ‘Well, it doesn’t matter if it’s not real.’ you contemplate to yourself as you quickly fall back asleep…

That’s right, you just had what is commonly called a “dream.” According to the dictionary, these are “a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.” Sure, that does seem to represent them very well; but, there is still so much you don’t know. There is still so much, nobody knows. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped the curiosity of people to delve into the study of oneirology, (or the study of dreams). While this study doesn’t have quite a large title to its name, overshadowed by the much more prominent neurology, it still could contain important information. Countless amounts of theories from different philosophers, to neuroscientists, to theologists, all have been presented. However, you can imagine it’s almost impossible to prove theories true on such topics when we live in a world where seeing is believing.

Theory 1: Our brains taking this opportunity of unconsciousness to relive the recent events that have occurred while choosing what information may be important to keep and others to forget. Obviously, we do not simply forget what occurred the day before, but perhaps the more unnecessary thoughts are stored further away from immediate recollection.

Theory 2: Our recent emotions are exposed due to the lower level of brain functionality and distractions. Usually when one is stressed, nervous, or feeling another negative emotion: they typically have nightmares reflecting them. However, other reports show the complete opposite: perhaps dreaming is the brain’s way of combating negative events with pleasant, yet fictional, visions.

Theory 3: Our “id,” which is one’s unconscious urges, desires, and wishes, would come into focus; after being suppressed during consciousness by other parts of the brain. According to this theory, our “superego” is suppressed from needing to be publicly moral and caring about the thoughts of others and the consequences of one’s actions in general. This is possibly the most accurate theory, but is hindered by another theory…

Theory 4: It’s all just random. It’s all just random things within and outside your daily thoughts that conglomerate together to form an event that doesn’t seem to make sense in reality, but does when you’re asleep. However, there are people that don’t believe in the essence of “random.” They try to interpret these unconscious visions, possibly relating to one’s past, future, or religious beliefs.

And if all of this wasn’t strange enough, people have reported what is known as “lucid” dreaming. This event has been described by those who have experienced it as being consciously aware that one is dreaming. Perhaps even more intriguing is the fact that they claim one is capable of completely controlling what occurs in them! However, this occurrence is extremely rare for some who may never even witness it; or the opposite, where people have had them multiple times in a month. Check out the ending for an additional bonus on what research shows can improve your likelihood of having a lucid dream!

In conclusion, there is still much research needed to be done in order for humans to be able to understand the nature of dreams. Whether this will be possible, we might never know; as studying something you can’t see, or only you can see, is of high difficulty. Maybe in the future, people might be capable of sharing lucid dreams like a multiplayer videogame. Who knows what the future holds? But, it’s in our hands: so let’s make the most of it.

TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF HAVING A LUCID DREAM:

Tip #1: During the day, ask yourself: “Am I dreaming?” Once this practice becomes regular, it will transfer into your sleep and you’ll be able to say yes.

Tip #2: When you wake up, record your dreams, or at least what you remember, into a journal. Remember to do it as soon as you are conscious and track recurring people, places, things, etc. in previous dreams.

Tip #3: Avoid caffeine and electronic usage before going to sleep, and exercise during the day.