There’s a lot we don’t know about dreams, but here’s what we do know: we all have them, usually several in any given night, lasting between five and 20 minutes, but we can’t remember most of them.
Dreams happen when we’re in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, a time when our brain is very active. About 20 to 25% of our total nightly slumber time is spent in dreamy dream land but it’s not all sunshine; sleep researchers estimate that nearly 75% of our dream-based emotions are negative.
BUT WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
Philosophers, psychologists and physicians have been trying to figure out the meaning of our dreams for millennia. But a surge of scientific interest in the vital link between sleep and health has led to some eye-opening new theories.
“We don’t understand where a whole lot of things in the brain come from,” explains Professor Dorothy Bruck, sleep psychologist at the Sleep Health Foundation. However, it’s possible that certain areas of the brain are able to identify that we have a health issue, she adds.
“Like when you have a sore knee and you try to ignore it, your brain is still receiving the message that you’ve got a sore knee,” she says. “Your brain is very busy during REM, so it may pick up on something like that.”
The trick is to determine whether or not the dream is meaningful, which is why it’s useful to write down any memorable, recurring dreams. Keeping a record will help you to see if there is a pattern that points to a possible health issue. Here are just a few possible explanations…
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ROUSHANNA GRAY
Veld and Sea is a multisensory experience curated by the force that is Roushanna Gray.
Eat, Pray Love
Dreaming of a holiday that helps you disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with your inner self? e've listed a few wellness retreats to help you escape and reset.
SCAMMER ALERT!
In today's digital era, scamming is on the rise and dating sites are often breeding grounds for deception. A private investigator, a psychiatrist and two women who fell victim to million rand scams tell their story.
Stride into SUMMER
Keep up your fitness gains with these workouts you can do anywhere, anytime to power into the next year.
Supplement your life
Natural supplements are everywhere - but what differentiates them from one another and what can they do for you?
Better TOGETHER
Solo saving can be a grind. Stokvels channel the spirit of ubuntu into the sometimes longwinded process of putting money away for a rainy day.
DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUNDARIES
Keen to *actually* relax and recharge this festive season? Then you'll have to ditch the people-pleasing and set some boundaries. Here's how.
TRANSFORM & EVOLVE
Maxine Schuiling - aka @sugarfreesundays on Instagram shares how she's enabling her clients and followers to overcome overthinking and achieve a happier inner life.
State of grace
Actress, producer and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross has been dubbed the poster child of many things. But she'd prefer to be the face of living life on your own terms - even though it's not an easy ride.
GET A DRIP
Getting an IV drip is no longer reserved for hospital visits. These days, IV drip bars are a regular sight. Yashna Balwanth dives into the wellness trend.