Why Do We Dream?

There have been several studies conducted on dreams, but there is not one clear reason why we dream. However, the evidence points to several benefits of dreaming. 

Memory Processing

During the day, our brains take in a lot of information. If this does not get sorted, our brains get messy and no new information is able to be absorbed. Events are turned into memories, and what is not needed gets dumped. New ideas are also linked to old information to be able to learn and remember the new details. 

Emotional Healing

Dreams help regulate mood, allowing for more mental space for the small inconveniences of life to not be dramatic moments. Painful memories are also able to be processed in a safe setting, decreasing the emotional impact. Stressful events are also processed, and anxiety or past trauma is able to be coped with.

Threat Simulation

Dreams allow for us to practice survival and to test responses. I believe that the threats in our dreams come from fears in our lives or situations that we either are encountering or have a high chance of experiencing. Some of these fears can be impacted what books we are reading, tv shows watched, or conversations had, rather than circumstances we may or may encounter. 

Troubleshooting Dreams

Quality of sleep, body temperature, external components and diet and time of eating can all factor into dreams.

If you want to learn more about your individual struggles, you can complete the form found here.