Why Do We Dream?
Why do we dream?
Dreaming has confused humanity since ancient times, sparking curiosity about its origins and causes. The earliest records of dreams can be traced back to 2700 BC, documented in cuneiform writing. While the science behind dreaming remains mysterious, several theories have emerged in an attempt to prove why we dream, each with counter arguments that challenge their validity.
Information Processing
One of the popular theories explaining dreams is the information processing theory. This theory states that dreaming is a mechanism for our brains to sort through daily experiences and consolidate memories. This cognitive "cleanup" process is supposed to enhance problem-solving abilities. However, it falls short when we consider the dreams we have about events we have not personally experienced. Why do we dream of things outside our direct experience?
Physiological Function
Another widely discussed theory is the physiological function theory. It suggests that regular stimulation of the brain during REM sleep plays a crucial role in developing and preserving neural pathways. Essentially, dreaming may enhance the efficiency and speed of neuronal connections, facilitating smoother information processing. However, this theory does not fully account for the fact that many dreams are meaningful which cannot simply be attributed to brain stimulation alone.
Activation Synthesis
The activation synthesis theory says that REM sleep triggers random neural impulses that evoke visual memories, which our sleeping brains then weave into stories. While this theory provides a plausible explanation for dreaming, it overlooks the fact that the plot of dreams is influenced by the dreamer’s identity and experiences. This suggests that even if two individuals share similar visual memories, their dreams could differ significantly, highlighting a deeper connection between the dreamer's identity or personality and the content of their dreams.
Current research
Research into this phenomenon is progressing rapidly, with scientists uncovering new information daily as they strive to deepen our understanding of sleep. Ongoing experiments include interaction with patients during sleep, aiming to explore consciousness and cognitive processes.
While theories such as information processing, physiological function, and activation synthesis offer compelling arguments for understanding dreams, each presents its own rebuttal and raises further questions. As science research in this field advances, researchers seek to explore the intricate relationship between dreams and our cognitive processes. Through inquiry we can continue to better understand our dreams and the meaning behind them.
Citations:
“Nearsightedness: Medlineplus Genetics.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/nearsightedness/#resources. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
“Why Do We Dream?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 27 June 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/why-do-we-dream.
Pryor, Julie. “Why Do We Dream?” MIT McGovern Institute, MIT, 24 May 2023, mcgovern.mit.edu/2022/08/01/why-do-we-dream/.
Nir, Yuval, and Giulio Tononi. “Dreaming and the Brain: From Phenomenology to Neurophysiology.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2010, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2814941/.
“A Babylonian Dream Tablet on the Interpretation of Dreams.” The Museum Journal, www.penn.museum/sites/journal/586/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Başak Türker. Chercheuse postdoctorale, and Delphine Oudiette hercheure en neurosciences cognitives. “The Study of Dreams: Scientists Uncover New Communication Channels with Dreamers.” The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025, theconversation.com/the-study-of-dreams-scientists-uncover-new-communication-channels-with-dreamers-220492.
Written By:
Akshara Padit
