While many theories have been proposed, no consensus has emerged. Considering the time we spend in a may seem baffling. However, it is important to consider that science is still unraveling the exact purpose and function of sleep itself. Some researchers suggest that dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Next, let’s learn more about some of the most prominent dream theories.
Consistent with the psychoanalytic perspective, Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams suggests that dreams are a representation of unconscious desires, thoughts and motivations. According to Freud, people are driven by aggressive and sexual instincts that are repressed from conscious awareness. While these thoughts are not consciously n expressed, they find their way into our awareness via dreams. In his famous book The Interpretation of Dreams, Freud wrote that dreams are…disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes. Freud’s theory contributed to the popularity of dream interpretation. Following his paths many theorists come up with their own ideas about dreams. The following are just a few of them.
• Some researchers suggest that dreams are a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the brain during sleep. Dreams are not meaningless. Instead, during dreams the cognitive elements in our brain produce new ideas.
• One theory suggests that dreams are the result of our brains trying to interpret external stimuli during sleep. For example, the sound of the radio may be incorporated into the content of a dream.
• Another theory uses a computer metaphor to account for dreams. According to this theory, dreams serve to ‘clean up’ clutter from the mind, much like clean-up operations in a computer, refreshing the mind to prepare for the next day.
• Yet another model proposes that dreams function as a form of psychotherapy. In this theory. The dreamer is able to make connections between different thoughts and emotions in a safe environment.
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