The Science of Dreams: What Happens When We Dream?

Theories About Dreaming and How to Lucid Dream

Dreaming in a Picture (Picture from Canva Premium Gallery)

What are dreams? We all know the feeling of waking up after a vivid dream, but what happens during the dreaming process? Are dreams just a way for our brains to relax and take a break from reality? Or could they be something more? In this article, we will explore different theories about dreams and discuss what might happen during the dreaming process. We will also look at ways to remember your dreams and how to Lucid dream. Dreams are a mysterious part of our lives, and there is still much to learn about them!

What happens during the dreaming process?

When we dream, our brains are actually quite active. Different parts of the brain light up on a brain scan during different stages of sleep. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, our brains are more active than during non-REM sleep. It is during REM sleep that we have most of our vivid dreams. Dreams occur during all stages of sleep, but we are more likely to remember them if they happen during REM sleep.

The other Stages of Sleep are:

Stage One: This is the lightest stage of sleep. You may feel drowsy and your eyes may flutter.

Stage Two: This is a deeper stage of sleep. Your heart rate and breathing slow down.

Stage Three: This is the deepest stage of sleep. Your brain waves become slower.

Stage Four: This is the final stage of sleep. You may have vivid dreams during this stage.

REM sleep is the stage of sleep when we have the most vivid dreams. Dreams during this stage may be more emotional and intense. We may also forget our dreams more easily if we do not wake up during this stage.

REM Sleep Dreams (Picture from Canva Premium Gallery)

There are different types of brain waves that can be found during REM sleep. Alpha waves are slow and smooth, and they indicate a relaxed state. Beta waves are fast and active, and they are associated with wakefulness. Theta waves are very slow and indicate a deep state of sleep. Delta waves are the slowest of all and indicate a state of deep, dreamless sleep.

During REM sleep, our brains produce more theta waves than any other type of brain wave. This suggests that dreaming is a very deep state of sleep. Dreams may be a way for our brains to process information and sort through memories.

Brain Waves (Picture from Canva Premium Gallery)

Theories about dreams

There are many different theories about what dreams actually are. Some people believe that dreams are a way for our brains to process information and sort through memories. Others believe that dreams are a way for our subconscious to communicate with us. It is also thought that dreams may help us to practice different skills or solve problems. Whatever the case may be, dreams are definitely fascinating!

How to remember your dreams

Many people have trouble remembering their dreams. One way to improve dream recall is to keep a dream journal. Before going to bed, try to clear your mind and relax. When you wake up, write down any dreams that you can remember, even if they don’t make sense. Over time, you should start to remember more and more of your dreams.

Dream Journal (Picture from Canva Premium Gallery)

How to Lucid dream

Lucid dreaming is when you become aware that you are dreaming while you are still asleep and then you can control your dream! This can be a very fun and interesting experience! There are a few different techniques that you can use to try to Lucid dream. One is to keep a dream journal, as this can help you to become more aware of your dreams. Another is to try to do a reality check before going to bed, such as looking at your hands or trying to push your finger through your palm. Once you become good at reality checking, you can try to do it during your dreams and this will help you to become aware that you are dreaming. Lucid dreaming can be a fun way to explore the world of dreams!

Control your own dream by awakening in the dream! (Picture from Canva Premium Gallery)

Do you have any interesting dream stories? Have you ever tried Lucid dreaming? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Until next time, dream on! :)

For only 5$ a month, you can get a wealth of knowledge with a medium membership! If you join by clicking on this link, I even get a small bonus.

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might need it. Consider using my Canva Premium Affiliate Link to use a picture design platform that you could use for your medium pictures!

Follow KnowledgeCollective, comment, clap and share! (Picture designed with Canva Premium Gallery)

Social Media of KnowledgeCollective: Website, Instagram, Etsy, YouTube, Patreon, Tiktok, Twitter, Medium

Click here to get a Mail whenever I publish a new Story!