Dreams primarily occur during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a stage where brain activity mimics wakefulness. Neuroscientists suggest that dreams play a critical role in memory consolidation, problem-solving, and emotional processing (Walker, 2017). Research indicates that individuals who experience lucid dreaming—where they become aware of and can control their dreams—demonstrate a unique intersection between consciousness and sleep (LaBerge & Rheingold, 1990).

Interestingly, REM sleep is not exclusive to humans. Many animals, including mammals and birds, exhibit REM sleep, during which they experience brain activity similar to wakefulness (Peever et al., 2016). Studies on cats, dogs, and even rats have demonstrated REM sleep patterns, leading scientists to believe that animals may also engage in some form of dreaming (Dement, 1999).

Recent studies also suggest that dreams serve an essential role in threat simulation theory, a hypothesis proposing that dreams allow individuals to rehearse responses to dangerous situations (Revonsuo, 2000). This evolutionary perspective suggests that dreams once functioned as a survival mechanism, preparing early humans for real-life threats.

Throughout history, dreams have been interpreted in varying ways. Sigmund Freud theorized that dreams reveal unconscious desires, proposing that they are manifestations of repressed thoughts and emotions (Freud, 1900). In contrast, Carl Jung viewed dreams as a means of self discovery, linking them to archetypes within the collective unconscious (Jung, 1964). Indigenous cultures, such as Aboriginal Australians, consider dreaming as a sacred connection to ancestors, and spiritual realms, influencing their understanding of reality (Lawlor, 1991).

Dreams may also contribute to problem-solving and creativity. Some researchers suggest that dreams allow the brain to simulate real-life experiences, making them an essential part of cognitive adaptation (Barrett, 2001). For example, many artists, writers and inventors have credited dreams with inspiring their greatest works. The chemist Friedrich Kekulé famously discovered the structure of benzene after dreaming of a snake biting its own tail (Rock, 2004).

Further evidence suggests that dreaming enhances procedural memory, a type of memory involved in learning new skills. Research by (Stickgold et al., 2000) found that individuals who engaged in REM sleep after practicing a new task performed significantly better than those who did not, reinforcing the idea that dreams play an active role in learning and skill acquisition.

With advancements in neuroscience, dream decoding technology is being developed to translate brain activity into visual representations, potentially allowing scientists to “read” dreams (Horikawa et al., 2013). Additionally, studies on polyphasic sleep cycles suggest that manipulating sleep patterns can enhance creativity. Historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci reportedly practiced structured napping techniques to extract insights from dreams (Stampi, 1992).

Recent research suggests that VR-assisted training can increase the likelihood of lucid dreaming, as participants in a study demonstrated significantly stronger improvements in their ability to recognize and control their dreams compared to those who received no training (Appel et al., 2020).

While the function of dreams remains a scientific enigma, they provide invaluable insights into the subconscious mind, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. As dream research evolves, new discoveries continue to shape our understanding of mental health and brain function. Ultimately, exploring our dreams may lead to a greater understanding of ourselves.