Dreaming is perhaps one of the most mysterious phenomena that occur to the human mind. Hypnos (the ancient messenger of dreams) or his son, Morpheus, can go everywhere and with whom. Some believe that dreams are impulses sent from the subtle worlds, others try to discern the future in them. The world famous psychotherapist Z. Freud managed to create an entire science based only on the interpretation of dreams. Why do we dream?
Instructions
Step 1
There are two types of sleep: REM sleep and NREM sleep. It all starts with slow wave sleep, which includes 4 stages.
In the first stage, falling asleep occurs. Remember this feeling when you are on the verge of falling asleep, in a kind of half-asleep, which can be interrupted by a sharp start. At this time, muscle tone decreases.
The second stage is characterized by shallow sleep and takes up most of the total sleep time. The heart rate slows down and the body temperature drops. In addition, there is a further decrease in muscle activity.
The third and fourth stages are deep sleep time. It is during this period that the body receives the necessary portion of physical sleep. There is blood flow to the muscles, increased production of growth hormone, etc.
After the end of the phase of REM sleep, REM sleep occurs. During such sleep, there are rapid eye movements under the eyelids, an increase in blood pressure, increased blood flow to the brain, as well as irregular heart rate and uneven breathing. It is at this stage that a person sees dreams.
Step 2
The functionality of REM sleep is still not fully understood. American scientists believe that it is necessary in order to organize the information stored in memory. On the basis of experiments, it was proved that the nerve impulses received by a person during wakefulness are reproduced by the brain in a dream seven times faster. This reproduction of the impressions received during the day is necessary for the formation of memories. That is, all information is, as it were, rewritten from short-term memory to long-term media.
Step 3
At the beginning of the 20th century, the scientific world started talking about the fact that during wakefulness, chemical compounds such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid and cholesterol accumulate in the human body. During sleep, these substances dissipate, affecting the brain in such a way that it generates dream projections.
Step 4
According to another theory, dreams are a way to reboot the brain. In other words, dreams help the brain to get rid of unnecessary information and work properly. Otherwise, the brain would not have slowed down to fail.
Step 5
Another possible explanation for the occurrence of dreams is erratic electrical activity. Approximately every 90 minutes, the brain stem is activated and begins to send uncontrolled electrical impulses. Meanwhile, they are intercepted by the forebrain, which is responsible for analytical processes, which tries to make sense of obscure signals. This analysis manifests itself in the form of dreams.
Step 6
It is unlikely that anyone would argue with the fact that sleep is directly related to emotions, fears, desires, both manifested and hidden. At the same time, dreams can be superimposed on any factors that affect the organs of perception of a sleeping person. Depending on these factors, the dream plot is constantly changing. Anyone who goes to bed on an empty stomach is likely to see food in a dream. If the sleeping person is cold, he will seek warmth and comfort in a dream. And a person who lies down with his hand during sleep will clearly dream that there is a wound, a cut, or something worse on his hand.
