"Dr
eam" is a term that is commonly associated with the images and thoughts that occur during sleep. However, there are several lesser-known and fascinating facts about dreams that are not widely known.
1. Blind people can dream. Many people assume that those who have been blind since birth, or who have lost their sight, cannot dream. This is not true. Studies have shown that blind individuals can still experience vivid dreams that involve sensory perception. Their dreams are typically more auditory or tactile.
2. We forget most of our dreams. We all have experienced moments, upon waking up, where we can recall parts of our dream, but as the day goes on, the memory fades away. It turns out that, on average, we forget around 90% of our dreams within the first 10 minutes of waking up. This is because the short-term memory mechanism that stores our dreams is deactivated when we wake up.
3. Animals dream too. It is not just humans who dream. Studies suggest that animals, from birds to dolphins to rats, also dream. For example, dogs have been seen to twitch or "run" in their sleep, which indicates that they are dreaming.
4. We can control our dreams. Lucid dreaming is the ability to know that you are dreaming while you are still asleep. It offers the dreamer the opportunity to take control of their dreams and create their own reality. While lucid dreaming has been scientifically recognized, it is still considered somewhat rare, so dabbling in this area is not something that most people will experience.
5. Daytime naps can lead to vivid dreams. Daytime napping is not always associated with deep sleep, but it can lead to more vivid dreams. Short REM naps, of between 10-15 minutes, boost the amount of time spent in REM sleep, which is known for being the sleep state where the majority of dreaming takes place.
6. Our dreams can have themes or patterns. Although our dreams are often considered unrelated and random collections of images, we do tend to dream about certain themes. Many people commonly experience dreams of being chased, falling, or flying. These recurring themes can be related to our past experiences, anxieties or emotions, even though we may not realize it at the time.
7. Infants spend more time dreaming. Infants spend double the amount of time in REM sleep as adults do. This is because a higher proportion of their sleep is devoted to brain growth and development. As children mature, they gain more control over their dream states, and dreams become less intense. Dreams offer a fascinating insight into our subconscious mind, our fears, and our emotions. Although we may forget most of our dreams upon waking, these insights provide us with a unique opportunity to learn more about ourselves.