Why Do We Dream and What Are Dreams?

Dreams have been a topic of fascination for centuries. Even now, science has not been able to completely explain why we dream or what the purpose of dreams might be. However, that doesn't stop people from wondering! In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular theories about why we dream and what scientists in Australia have to say about the subject.

Dreams are basically stories that our brain tells us while we sleep. They can be vivid and bizarre, or they can be mundane and realistic. Some dreams feel so real that we wake up thinking they actually happened. 

Theories About Why We Dream

There are many different theories about why we dream, but no one knows for sure why we experience them. Some of the most popular theories include:

Processing and storing memories:

Dreams may help us process and store memories, especially emotional ones. This theory is supported by the fact that people with damage to the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for memory) often don't dream.

Practicing skills:

Dreams may provide a way for our brains to practice skills and improve our ability to perform them. For example, studies have shown that people who practice a new skill (like playing a musical instrument) in their dreams tend to perform better when they wake up.

Emotional regulation:

Dreams may help us process and deal with difficult emotions. This theory is supported by the fact that people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have nightmares about their trauma.

Brain activity:

Dreams may be a side effect of certain types of brain activity, such as when we're falling asleep or waking up.

What Does Our Brain Do When We Dream?

When we dream, our brains are actually quite active! Studies show that during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the part of our brain that controls physical movement is inactive, while the parts responsible for emotion, memory, and learning are all working overtime. 

Why Do We Need to Dream?

That’s a good question! Dreams may help us learn and consolidate new information by forming connections between different areas of the brain. Additionally, dreams may help us process emotional trauma and ease anxiety or stress.

Do Animals Dream?

It's not just humans who dream—all mammals likely experience REM sleep and have some form of dreaming. Reptiles and birds also appear to dream during REM sleep, however, it's unclear whether or not fish or amphibians dream since they don't have a neocortex—the part of the brain thought to be responsible for dreaming.

What Australian Scientists Say About Dreams

While there is no consensus on why we dream, Australian scientists have come up with some interesting theories of their own. Some believe that dreams are a way for our brains to make sense of the events of the day. Others believe that dreams may help us learn new information or consolidate existing information. And still others believe that dreams are simply a manifestation of our subconscious minds.

No one knows for sure why we dream, but it's clear that there are many different theories about it! Australian scientists have come up with some interesting theories of their own, but more research needs to be done in order to determine which theory is correct. In the meantime, keep dreaming! Who knows what secrets your dreams might hold!