Dreaming is a natural part of our sleep, probably even the most mysterious. It involves a series of images, thoughts, emotions, and sensations that unfold in a seemingly involuntary way.
Over the years, people have interpreted dreams and nightmares in different ways. A popular saying even suggests that dreams at night are a devil’s delight, meaning they’re frivolous and mean nothing, whereas dreams in the morning heed angels’ warning, meaning that they’re likely to be more accurate. But unfortunately, there are no scientific backings to any such claims.
In general, nightmares, or bad dreams, are particularly interesting and leave many wondering what they mean and why they occur. Therefore, we spoke to Dr Muniya Bhattacharya, Consultant Psychologist, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, to discuss why we dream at all, what causes nightmares, and measures that can help stop them.
Why We Dream At All
We as a human civilization have come a long way, but till today, we have no solid evidence for why we dream.
Dr Bhattacharya says, “A widely held belief behind why we dream is that it helps in memory consolidation, problem-solving, emotional processing, and creativity, among other cognitive and affective processes,” adding that the brain continues to integrate and process information from waking events while you sleep, which helps with learning and memory consolidation.
This means that dreams help us process memories and support us in better understanding our emotions.
Additionally, dreams can also offer a secure environment for addressing emotions, especially complex or unresolved ones, which can help people understand their feelings and thoughts, the doctor adds.
However, according to the doctor, the meaning of dreams remains a debated topic. Some psychologists believe dreams are symbolic messages from our unconscious, reflecting hidden fears, desires, or internal conflicts, and that by deciphering these symbols, we can gain valuable insights into our own psyche.
The Link Between Brain And Dreams
“It’s amazing and delicate how the brain and dreams are connected,” says Dr Bhattacharya.
She explains, “The brain activity that takes place during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) period of sleep gives rise to dreams. While the body is at rest, the brain displays patterns of neuronal firing that resemble those of waking consciousness throughout this phase.”
This basically means that during REM time, even though our bodies are mostly still and resting, our brains are remarkably active. The firing patterns of neurons and the brain’s communication cells closely resemble those of when we’re awake. And therefore, this intense brain activity is what gives rise to dreams—those vivid stories and experiences we have while sleeping.
According to the doctor, neuroscientists believe that dreaming is associated with multiple brain regions, including the brainstem, limbic system, and frontal cortex.
Dream narrative construction is mostly dependent on the frontal cortex, which is in charge of higher-order cognitive processes like planning and decision-making. In the meantime, the emotional content and vividness of dreams are influenced by the limbic system, which controls emotions and memory, she says.
Understanding The Science Behind Nightmares
Nightmares are frightening and distressing dreams that wake you up.
According to the Sleep Foundation, frequent nightmares are more common in children than in adults, with a higher prevalence in children between the ages of 3 and 6. As per the charity, about 2–8% of adults also report problems with nightmares.
“Frequent during REM sleep, nightmares are a result of a complex interaction of environmental, physiological, and psychological variables,” explains Dr Bhattacharya, adding that a well-known idea concerns how the brain processes memories and emotional experiences when a person sleeps.
She says that the brain may unintentionally trigger frightening or upsetting dream content when it consolidates memories, especially those linked to stress or trauma.
Therefore, dream content can also be influenced by changes in neurotransmitters that control mood and arousal, such as dopamine and serotonin, she suggests.
The Sleep Foundation shares that factors such as stress and anxiety, mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain drugs and medications, and sleep deprivation can all contribute to nightmares.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation reported that nightmares are a core symptom of PTSD, and about 50% of borderline personality disorder patients suffer from frequent nightmares.
How To Stop Nightmares
Sharing a few strategies to reduce the intensity of nightmares, Dr Bhattacharya lists:
- Keep a regular sleep schedule by waking up and sleeping at the same time each day.
- Establish a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Avoid consuming stimulating substances like caffeine or nicotine close to bedtime, as well as engaging in activities that may provoke anxiety or stress.
Conclusion
No matter how much you try, it is impossible to escape dreams. You will have them regardless of how you’re feeling. However, when it comes to nightmares, common triggers can be stress, anxiety, a mental health condition, or certain medications. Poor sleep can also contribute to bad dreams, which is why reducing stress levels and improving sleep hygiene are some crucial steps to stop nightmares. If you have persistent nightmares, it is best to seek professional help or talk to your trusted friends and family.
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