Dream FAQs

I am against nature. I don't dig nature at all. I think nature is very unnatural.

I think the truly natural things are dreams, which nature can't touch with decay.

~ Bob Dylan

Webster Dictionary defines dream as the thoughts, or series of thoughts, or imaginary transactions, which occupy the mind during sleep. Dreams are expressions of thought, feelings, and awareness that are represented through the creation of sensory environments in our minds.

Laboratory studies reveal that people experience their most vivid dreams during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. During REM sleep the brain is very active, and the eyes move back and forth rapidly under the lids. REM sleep occurs every 90 to 100 minutes, for progressively long periods, 3 to 4 times a night.

Here are some frequently-asked questions about dreams:

Q.  Does everybody dream?

A.  Everyone dreams at an average of 100 minutes per night. We just can’t remember them vividly. In fact, a lack of dream activity can mean protein deficiency or a personality disorder.

Q.  Why do people dream?

A.  Dreaming aids in the development of our brains by stimulating the neurons. Newborn babies dream for about 8 hours per day. Researchers believe dreaming plays a role in memory – by strengthening connections between certain areas of our brains, and by allowing other connections (less useful information) to be released and forgotten.

Q.  Are dreams in color?

A.  Most dreams are in color, although people may not be aware of it, either because they have difficulty remembering their dreams or because color is such a natural part of visual experience.

Q.  Are dreams related to everyday life?

A.  Yes, in fact, dreams are representations of your thoughts, feelings, and consciousness that have been lately bothering you in your waking state.

Q.  Do dreams have meaning?

A.  Although investigators continue to debate this issue, most people find dreams useful in learning more about their feelings, thoughts, behavior, desires, motives and values. Many even find dreams helpful in solving problems. Artists, writers, musicians, dancers and scientists often get creative ideas from dreams.

Q.  Why do people sometimes repeat certain dreams over and over?

A.  Recurring dreams reflect thoughts, feelings, behavior and motives of the dreamer that have not been resolved in our waking lives so we tend to replay it in our minds. Unresolved feelings often include a sudden loss of a loved one, an end to a romantic relationship, or any traumatic incidents.