It was once believed that the sole purpose of sleep was to rest and repair the body. Researchers proved this theory incorrect when it was shown that resting, although not sleeping, for 24 hours will rejuvenate the body just as well. Then it was suggested that it was the brain that was resting, since sleep-deprived persons feel disoriented and mentally disturbed. Actually, the brain is more active asleep than awake, though in a different way. Two distinct sleep states were observed, usually referred to as deep and light.  We now know that the primary purpose of sleep is to dream. Dreams are vital to our well-being, since they permit us to view our hopes, fears, secrets, and mundane problems in new ways. If we are to incorporate our dreams' messages into our lives, then we must learn the language of dreams.

What are Dreams?

Dreams are experiences during sleep using any of your five senses. Most remembered dreams, however, are visual. These experiences are very real to our mind and can produce psychological and physiological responses in a sleeping person. Dreams are not consciously controlled by us. Later on we will discuss lucid dreaming. During this type of dreaming, brain activity is extremely close to what it would be if you were to actually do what you were dreaming about.

Do we all dream and why?

For the most part, yes, we do.  Some of us just don’t remember.  (See our dream recall handout)

Some scientists say that dreaming is merely a by-product of sleep and serves no purpose.  Kind of like static from a radio or television which is not tuned to a station.  However many believe in one of numerous reasons for dreaming.  The most popular being that dreams are our brains way of processing the days information and other items we are thinking about.  Some also believe it is a way for our subconscious to communicate with us without our critical thinking process blocking the message.

Are all dreams symbolic?  Why?

Symbolism it is thought is used by our brains to prevent us from going crazy during our dreams.  They are too traumatic and even more so if they were all real.  Your dreams will fall into one of three other categories:

Literal Dreams - are just that. There is little mystery surrounding these dreams. They are to be interpreted literally. Your dog is your dog (not some animalistic aspect of yourself), and if you are kneading dough, it does not mean that you are in need of money. It is simply a reminder that you promised to make a loaf of bread for the church bake sale.

Symbolic Dreams - Symbolic dreams represent feelings. It is easier to express feelings with symbols rather than words or literal enactment's, so that is what your unconscious does. In these dreams, situations and objects are not to be taken literally. This is sure to be a relief; since symbolic dreams usually sound utterly ridiculous when told to someone as a simple narrative.

Literal - Symbolic - These dreams contain a mixture of literal events, with feasible scenarios and symbols. The majority of dreams are accounted for in this category, which shows that both the intellect and the heart contribute to a dream.

Can someone else interpret my dreams?

Probably not accurately unless the person knows you very well.  However, someone else can help guide you and act as a dream partner.