Dreams are an intriguing phenomenon that has intrigued us for centuries. While dreams are often seen as mystical or surreal experiences, science is increasingly providing insights into what dreams are, why we have them, and how they are connected to our sleep quality and mental health.
This article will take you into the world of dreams, based on scientific findings, and explain why intense dreams often coincide with deep sleep, especially when we take supplements to improve our sleep. We will also explore the psychology behind dreams and why some people experience more intense dreams than others.
What are dreams?
Dreams are sequences of images, thoughts and feelings that we experience during sleep. They occur mainly during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), a phase in which brain activity is high and our eyes move rapidly, although the body itself remains paralyzed. This prevents us from actually carrying out the movements in our dreams.
Although we have learned a lot about dreams, the exact function of dreams remains a matter of debate. One scientifically based theory suggests that dreams play a role in the processing and consolidation of memories. During sleep, our brains process the information we have gathered during the day, and dreams may reflect this process.
Another theory is that dreams help regulate emotions. Research shows that people who are exposed to emotionally charged experiences, such as stress or trauma, tend to have more vivid dreams. It seems that dreams are a way for the brain to process these emotions and integrate them into our memory, making us better able to understand and cope with them.
Scientific discoveries about dreams
In recent decades, researchers have made great strides in understanding dreams, thanks in part to neuroimaging technologies such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). These techniques allow us to track brain activity during sleep in real time.
Studies show that during REM sleep, when dreams are most vivid, certain brain regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus are particularly active. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, while the hippocampus plays a key role in storing memories. This increased activity may explain why dreams are often emotionally charged and related to our everyday experiences.
A fascinating aspect of recent research is the discovery that dreams can also contribute to creativity and problem solving. During REM sleep, the brain is less bound by logical constraints and can therefore associate more freely. This can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions that are not immediately obvious during waking hours.
Deep sleep, supplements and intense dreams
Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), is a crucial phase of the sleep cycle during which physical repair and immune function occur. Although dreams are most commonly associated with REM sleep, there is evidence that people also dream during deep sleep, although these dreams are often less vivid and harder to recall.
Interestingly, when we take supplements to improve our sleep quality, such as melatonin, magnesium, or certain herbal extracts, it can affect the intensity of our dreams. These supplements often help to regulate the sleep cycle, causing us to sleep more deeply and stay in the REM phase for longer. As a result, dreams can become more vivid and sometimes more intense.
Melatonin, for example, is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is a key ingredient in sleep supplements. Because melatonin can help extend REM sleep, some users experience more intense dreams or even vivid nightmares. This is not necessarily a bad thing; it simply means that the brain is actively processing emotions and memories.
The Psychology Behind Dreams
In addition to the neurobiological aspects of dreams, the psychology behind them is at least as fascinating. Sigmund Freud is often associated with the psychoanalysis of dreams, in which he argued that dreams are a manifestation of repressed wishes and unconscious desires. Although many of Freud's theories have been revised or criticized, the idea that dreams are a connection to our unconscious life remains an important concept in psychology.
Modern psychologists often approach dreams from the perspective of emotional processing. People who experience more intense dreams may have more emotional distress or unresolved conflicts. This explains why people who are going through a difficult time, such as a breakup or loss, often have more vivid and sometimes disturbing dreams. The brain tries to process these intense emotions and integrate them into our emotional life.
Not all dreams are negative, however. People who have positive experiences during the day can experience vivid, joyful dreams in which they reconnect with these positive emotions. This reinforces the idea that dreams serve as a kind of emotional regulator, helping us process both positive and negative experiences.
Why some people have intense dreams
Not everyone experiences dreams in the same way. Some people have intense, vivid dreams on a regular basis, while others rarely remember their dreams. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, sleep patterns, and psychological state.
One possible explanation for intense dreams is increased brain activity during sleep, especially in areas involved in emotional processing. People who are sensitive to stress or who experience high levels of emotional intensity may be more prone to vivid dreams. Traumatic experiences or ongoing stress can exacerbate these dreams, leading to nightmares or recurring dreams.
In addition, external factors, such as sleep apnea or sleep disorders, can also contribute to intense dreams. For example, sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing temporarily stops during sleep, can disrupt REM sleep, causing dreams to be disrupted and seem more intense when a person wakes up.
Conclusion
Dreams remain a complex and intriguing subject in science and psychology. While we still don’t know everything about why we dream, there is strong evidence that dreams play a crucial role in processing emotions, memories, and even creative thoughts. Deep sleep and supplements can affect the intensity of dreams, a sign of how closely dreams are linked to our sleep quality.
Whether you experience vivid, intense dreams or rarely remember your dreams, it’s clear that dreams are more than just nighttime musings. They’re an essential part of our mental and emotional well-being. By paying more attention to our sleep habits and the role dreams play in our daily lives, we can better understand how our minds work, even while we sleep.
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
