Sleep and Dreaming
Sleep and dreaming remain among the brain’s most fascinating mysteries. We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, yet until recently, much about sleep’s purpose and dreaming’s function was unknown. Advances in neuroscience and psychology are rapidly changing that. Understanding sleep—and the often surreal world of dreams—is vital for health, emotional balance, and cognitive performance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it normal not to remember dreams?
Yes. Some people rarely recall dreams, especially if waking abruptly during deep sleep. Dream recall can be trained with journaling and gentle wake-ups from REM sleep.
Can dreams predict the future?
Scientific evidence does not support dreams as literal prophecy. However, dreams sometimes reflect insights your brain is processing subconsciously.
Are nightmares a sign of mental illness?
Occasional nightmares are normal. Frequent or distressing nightmares may be linked to stress, PTSD, or certain medications. If persistent, consult a sleep specialist.
How much REM sleep do we need?
Adults typically spend about 20–25% of total sleep in REM. Missing REM repeatedly can impact memory, mood, and learning.
KEY TERMS
Stage 1
- Light sleep
- Muscle relaxation begins
- Brief and easy to wake from
Stage 2
- Slightly deeper sleep
- Brain waves slow but show sleep spindles—bursts linked to memory and learning.
Stage 3
- Deep sleep or slow-wave sleep
- Physical restoration occurs
-
Growth hormone release peaks