The dream is perhaps one of the most mysterious phenomena that occur with the human mind. Wherever Hypnos (the ancient messenger of dreams) or his son Morpheus doesn’t bring and with whom he is not confronted. Some believe that dreams are impulses sent from subtle worlds, while others try to discern the future in them. The world-famous psychotherapist Z. Freud even managed to create an entire science based only on the interpretation of dreams. Why do we have dreams?
Instruction manual
one
There are two types of sleep: REM sleep phase and Slow sleep phase. It all starts with a slow sleep, which includes 4 stages.
At the first stage, falling asleep occurs. Remember this feeling when you are on the verge of falling asleep, in a half-nap, which can be interrupted by a sharp startle. At this time, muscle tone decreases.
The second stage is characterized by shallow sleep and takes up most of the time allotted for sleep. The heart rate slows and the body temperature drops. In addition, there is a further decrease in muscle activity.
The third and fourth stages are the times of deep sleep. It is during this period that the body receives the necessary portion of physical sleep. There is an influx of blood to the muscles, increased production of growth hormone, etc.
After the completion of the slow sleep phase, fast sleep occurs. During such a dream, rapid eye movements under the eyelids, increased blood pressure, increased blood flow to the brain, as well as irregular heart rate and uneven breathing. Just at this stage, a person sees dreams.
2
The functionality of the REM sleep phase is still not fully understood. American scientists believe that it is necessary in order to organize the information stored in memory. Based on experiments, it was proved that nerve impulses received by a person during wakefulness are reproduced by the brain seven times faster in a dream. A similar reproduction of the impressions received during the day is necessary for the formation of memories. That is, all information is as if copied from short-term memory to long-term media.
3
At the beginning of the 20th century, the scientific world started talking about the fact that during wakefulness in the human body chemical compounds have time to accumulate, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid and cholesterol. During sleep, these substances dissipate, affecting the brain in such a way that it gives rise to projections of dreams.
4
According to another theory, dreams are a way to reload the brain. In other words, dreams help the brain get rid of unnecessary information and work appropriately. Otherwise, the brain would not be slow to fail.
5
Another possible explanation for the occurrence of dreams is erratic electrical activity. Approximately every 90 minutes, the brain stem is activated and begins to send uncontrolled electrical impulses. Meanwhile, they are intercepted by the forebrain, which is responsible for analytical processes, which is trying to figure out obscure signals. This analysis manifests itself in the form of dreams.
6
It is unlikely that anyone will argue that a dream is directly related to emotions, fears, desires, both manifested and hidden. At the same time, any factors affecting the sensory organs of a sleeping person can be superimposed on dreams. Depending on these factors, the plot of sleep is constantly changing. Anyone who goes to bed on an empty stomach is likely to see food in a dream. If a sleeping chill - in a dream he will seek warmth and comfort. And the person who reclined his hand while sleeping would clearly dream that there was a wound in the arm, a cut, or worse.
note
Research has helped reveal that absolutely everyone dreams. If you wake a person during the REM phase, he will be able to describe in detail what he dreamed of. At the same time, it is almost impossible to recall a dream interrupted at the stage of slow sleep. For this reason, many believe that they never see dreams. In fact, they visit everyone, just many do not remember them.