Is it good to dream?

Dreaming and sleep are intertwined. Dreaming is one of the most fascinating and unique aspects of sleep. On average, we spend approximately two hours dreaming during a normal night’s sleep. Dreams can occur during any part of the sleep cycle, but we dream most intensely during the stage of sleep known as REM (rapid eye movement).

What Do We Dream About?

Dreams likely reflect a time of immense imagination while we are sleeping. What we dream about may contain imagery that’s positive, negative, or outright confusing. Experiences from when we are awake are often incorporated into the content of our dreams.

Why Do We Dream While Sleeping?

Dreaming is normal and is one reflection of good sleep. Research has found that dreams can be good influences on your everyday waking life as follows

Healthy dreaming can relate to quality sleep, which facilitates a better mood, sharper thinking, and overall health.
People who tend to remember their dreams often demonstrate high levels of creativity.
Dreaming may enable more inspirational and expansive thinking. This could be seen as forming the underlying concept behind the maxim to “follow your dreams.”
Dreaming may enhance the consolidation of memories, thus making it easier to recall important information.

Why Can’t We Remember Our Dreams?

If you do remember your dreams, you may not be reaching that deep sleep, where dreaming occurs. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing, your sleep is often interrupted through the night, preventing you from achieving REM.

What Can Be Done to Improve Sleep Quality?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, snore loudly and frequently, or find yourself tired during the day contact us at the Breathing and Sleep Center to learn more about your sleep quality.