By Anatole Tahintzi, Year 12
Dreams have fascinated humans for centuries, and they have puzzled scientists for decades. Dreams, coming from the Old English word for joy and music, are a series of images, sounds, and sensations that occur in the mind during sleep. They can be vivid, surreal, and sometimes disturbing. While the content of dreams varies from person to person, they are typically bound together by some common themes. Dreams often involve people, places, or things from the dreamer’s past or present, and they can be influenced by the dreamer’s emotional state and current concerns.
The scientific study of dreams is known as oneirology. Oneirologists use a variety of tools and techniques to understand the brain activity that occurs during dreaming. One of the most important tools for studying dreams is the electroencephalogram (EEG). This device measures the electrical activity in the brain, and can provide insights into the stages of sleep and the brain activity that occurs during dreaming.
During a typical night’s sleep, a person goes through several cycles of sleep, each made up of four stages labelled stages 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each stage has its own corresponding neural oscillation pattern–rhythmic patterns of minute variation of electrical activity within the brain. The first stage of sleep is characterised by light sleep and drowsiness. During this stage, the brain produces alpha waves, which are slower and higher in amplitude than the beta waves that occur during wakefulness. In the second stage of sleep, the brain produces theta waves, which are even slower and lower in amplitude than alpha waves. The third and fourth stages of sleep are known as slow-wave sleep (SWS). During SWS, the brain produces delta waves, which are even slower and higher in amplitude than theta waves. SWS is considered the deepest stage of sleep, and it is difficult to wake a person from this stage.
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the stage of sleep in which most dreaming occurs, the brain produces fast, low-amplitude beta waves. During REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly, and the body becomes paralyzed. This stage of sleep is characterised by increased brain activity and vivid dreams.
The purpose of dreams is still a subject of scientific debate. Some theories suggest that dreams serve as a way for the brain to process newly-learnt information and form memories. They suggest that the brain replays the events of the day while dreaming in order to consolidate them into long-term memory, which explains why dream content often reflects our waking experiences. Another theory that has gained significant traction in recent years is the idea that dreams serve as a form of overnight therapy. This theory suggests that dreams allow the brain to work through emotional issues in a safe and non-threatening way, which can lead to improved mental health.
Research has also suggested that dreaming has several benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Dreaming may help us be more creative and innovative, with studies showing that people who dream more frequently are better at solving problems and coming up with new ideas. Famously, Dimitri Mendeleev first had the idea for the Periodic Table while dreaming. Additionally, dreaming may help us process and regulate our emotions, reducing the risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Dreaming draws on many different parts of the brain. A study published in Nature Neuroscience identified the sensory processing regions of the brain, such as the visual and auditory cortex, as well as the posterior cingulate cortex, which is involved in memory consolidation and self-referential thinking, as active during dreaming.
In conclusion, dreams remain a complex and intriguing aspect of human consciousness. While scientists have made progress in understanding the neural mechanisms behind dreaming, there is still much to uncover regarding their purpose and function. As we continue to learn more about the science of dreams, we hope to gain a better understanding of their role in our lives.
