Why Do We Dream So Often? The Science Behind Frequent Dreams

Why do we have vivid dreams on some nights while remembering nothing on others? Let's explore the science of dreams to understand why we dream and how we can enjoy more restful nights.

What Are Dreams?

Dreams were first scientifically studied in the 19th century by Calkins (1893). He published the first statistical results on dreams and argued that dreams could be classified by content. According to research published by the psychology research society in 1966 (Hall and Van de Castle), visual images occur more frequently in dreams than other sensory images.

Sigmund Freud, famous for his dream interpretation work, described dreams as 'a process where unconscious desires and emotions are released from repression during sleep.' He believed that by interpreting dreams, we could understand unconscious inner voices and reveal repressed desires.

Definition of Dreams

According to the Korean Sleep Research Society, dreams are 'visual experiences of story content that unfolds spontaneously over time while a person is asleep.'

Why Do We Dream?

During sleep, the internal excitability of the central nervous system decreases. Because of this, various excitations cannot be harmoniously transmitted to the brain. We dream in this dissociative state when consistent activity states collapse.

Dreams that people typically have when falling asleep have brief storylines and are often not remembered upon waking. Many dreams pass in an instant.

In some cases, people can realize they are dreaming while in a dream. These lucid dreams show high frequency in some individuals, but most people don't remember their dreams.

Memory Formation

Through dreams, we organize memories and move them from short-term to long-term memory. What we recall in dreams is based on our memories.

Mental Housekeeping

During dreaming, we remove errors or unnecessary information from our minds. It's a kind of brain cleaning process.

Incidental Brain Activity

Some suggest that dreams are merely byproducts of sleep without essential purpose or meaning.

The Relationship Between REM Sleep and Dreams

Aserinsky and Kleitman identified when Rapid Eye Movements (REM) occur regularly and proved the existence of REM sleep. Dreams primarily occur during REM sleep.

When people who claim they don't dream are forcibly awakened right after REM sleep ends, they often remember dreaming.

Important Fact

Immediately after waking, dreams are vividly remembered, but after just an hour or two, these memories become very faint. However, the ability to remember dreams can gradually improve with repeated attempts to recall them.

In academia, dreaming is accepted as maintaining healthy sleep. However, nightmares are treated as exceptions. Nightmares can disrupt sleep and lead to sleep deprivation, causing chronic sleep problems and insomnia.

Characteristics of People Who Dream Frequently

Suddenly dreaming more or remembering dreams better may be due to changes in sleep quality. If sleep patterns change and you wake during REM sleep, you might suddenly remember dreams better.

When sleep is insufficient, the body increases the proportion of REM sleep, making you think you're dreaming more. Psychologically, if stress or anxiety is high and emotions aren't processed or trauma is triggered, you may dream more.

Alcohol

Ever experienced waking unusually early after drinking? Alcohol affects the brain and suppresses REM sleep. That's why when you stop drinking, you suddenly feel like you're having particularly vivid and intense dreams.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications like antidepressants, antihypertensives, and Parkinson's disease drugs can cause side effects of increased nightmares or frequent dreaming.

Stress and Trauma

Stressful or traumatic shocking events frequently appear in dreams, tormenting the sleeper. People experiencing PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) experience vivid dreams more frequently.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnant women are known to dream more than others. People with depression, schizophrenia, or dissociative disorders also dream frequently. Hormonal imbalances disrupt sleep quality, causing more frequent dreaming.

How to Reduce Nightmares and Dream Better

Persistent nightmares reduce sleep quality and make daily life difficult. The NIH (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) says this problem should be taken seriously and requires consistent management.

Regular Sleep Pattern

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. A consistent sleep schedule greatly improves sleep quality.

Regular Exercise

Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Regular exercise helps with deeper and more comfortable sleep.

Control Caffeine and Alcohol

Consume caffeine and nicotine only during the day and avoid alcohol before bed. These substances disrupt sleep cycles.

Comfortable Bedtime Routine

Try comfortable routines like a warm bath or reading before bed. This shifts your body and mind into sleep mode.

Optimize Sleep Environment

Create a sleep room to avoid bright lights or loud noises during sleep. Avoid watching TV or using computers in the bedroom.

Use Bed Only for Sleep

Don't lie in bed when you can't sleep. It helps to stay away from bed by reading or listening to music until you're tired.

Professional Consultation

If you have trouble sleeping or feel unusually tired during the day, visiting a doctor can help. Most sleep disorders improve effectively with treatment.

Healthy Sleep with Dreams

Dreams are a natural process where our brain processes information and organizes memories. Healthy dreams are a sign of good sleep, but persistent nightmares can be a warning of declining sleep quality.

Good Night Lock, which reduces REM sleep and increases delta waves to aid sleep, can be a good solution. Through 'layered monoural beats,' it helps even those with insomnia fall asleep quickly and achieve deep sleep without dreams.