Understanding the Importance of Sleep and Dream Interpretation in Our Daily Lives
“Everything serious comes to us at night.”
CICERO
What Happens When We Sleep?
Why do we sleep? The answer is not as simple as it seems. We sleep so that our body can rest, we think at first. However, science has not been able to prove concretely that sleep is necessary for the physical recuperation of the body. Experiments performed on rats have proven that when deprived of sleep, these animals die.
But human nature is not as simple as that of rats. Everyone knows people who barely sleep. The most extreme case, published in some scientific magazines, is that of a man who claims not to have slept since contracting a serious illness. In a similar vein, some individuals with a highly developed spirituality are able to remain conscious all night through deep meditation.
It is known that anxiety and lack of concentration increase considerably after a night or two without sleep. One theory affirms that we sleep to conserve energy, while another suggests we rest to conserve food stores since we repress the hunger mechanism during sleep.
How Much Do We Sleep?
Sleep at Different Ages
Throughout our lives, sleep patterns change. Babies sleep most of the day, while adults average 7 to 8.5 hours of sleep, and elderly individuals return to shorter sleep cycles.
There are arguments that suggest we slept in ancient times to appear less appealing to nocturnal predators. Regardless of theory, sleep remains essential to recharge our bodies and minds. At night, with reduced vision and strange surroundings, our imagination runs wild, and dreams become vital for our mental balance. If deprived of sleep, REM phase increases, suggesting dreams are necessary for survival.
The Role of Dreams in Ancient and Modern Theories
Some ancient civilizations believed that the purpose of sleep was to enable dreaming. Modern scientists suggest dreams are a byproduct of neurophysiological activity during sleep. However, there is no scientific consensus on why dreams often take a narrative form or carry metaphorical language that feels deeply personal.
Percentages of REM Sleep
Cold-blooded animals rarely dream due to hibernation, with the chameleon being a rare exception. On the other hand, warm-blooded animals, including humans, dream frequently. REM phase accounts for up to 20% of human sleep, while some animals, like birds, dream for as little as 0.5% of their sleep.
Some theories propose that dreams serve to eliminate unnecessary memories. However, this concept overlooks the creative nature of dreams, which often reshape everyday experiences into something new and thought-provoking.
The Phases of Sleep
When we sleep, we pass through four distinct phases. Each phase represents a different depth of sleep. After about an hour, the body cycles back through these phases, culminating in the REM phase, where dream activity is most intense.
The REM Phase
The REM phase is of particular interest for dream researchers. During this brief period (5-10 minutes), individuals experience vivid dreams. REM phases repeat 4-7 times throughout the night, and the final REM phase can last up to 40 minutes. While dreams also occur in non-REM phases, they are less vivid and emotionally charged.
Remembering Dreams
Those wishing to recall their dreams can use the technique of waking up just after each REM phase. Studies have shown that waking up during these moments increases the likelihood of remembering dreams.
What Do We Dream?
A French study on dreams revealed common dream themes:
- Relationships with partners (18%)
- Home, especially childhood memories (15%)
- Being chased, aggressors, thieves (10%)
- Missing the train, embarrassing baggage (8%)
- Water, wells, traffic accidents (6%)
- Forgotten children or babies (5%)
- Snakes, fire, stairs (5%)
- Negative animals like spiders or rats (4%)
- Nakedness or lack of clothing (3%)
- Alarming situations, like losing teeth (2%)
Hypnagogic Images: Between Waking and Sleep
Before entering deep sleep, we experience the "hypnagogic state," where our brains generate vivid, beautiful images. These scenes are not dreams but rather fleeting visual experiences that disappear upon waking. Unlike dreams, hypnagogic images are not related to daily experiences and lack a coherent plot.
Salvador Dali and the Hypnagogic State
Salvador Dali, a surrealist artist, used the hypnagogic state to inspire his art. By waking himself at the exact moment sleep began, Dali captured these fleeting images and transferred them onto canvas.
The Hypnagogic State as a Tool for Self-Exploration
Hypnagogic images bring us closer to understanding ourselves. To retain this state, focus on a specific point, such as the "third eye" or the heart, to remain aware while drifting into sleep. This technique helps maintain focus during hypnagogic experiences, allowing deeper self-exploration.
What Do We Dream?
As dreams vary in meaning based on individual experiences, the same dream symbol can hold different meanings for different people. To better understand your dreams, it's important to consider your unique life context and personal circumstances.
See Also: Sleep, REM, Dreams, Hypnagogic State
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