Why Do We Dream?

When Do We Dream?- We tend to dream during a period of sleep called REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep. REM sleep normally occurs within a few hours of waking up.

Theory #1- We Dream to Adapt- This theory deals with the thought that during sleep if we dream about being chased or saving someone then we are really training ourselves. By dreaming about this we train our brain how to react in response to threatening situations. In REM sleep the brain fires in the same way as it does when it is specifically threatened for survival.

Theory #2- Dreams Give us Wisdom- This theory states that when we dream our brain goes through all of the things we did the day before. By doing this the brain sorts through these memories and determines which ones to retain and which ones to lose. So, this theory says sleep uses the information we have learned and decides which ones to keep and which ones to lose.

Theory #3- There is no reason we dream- This theory simply says that there is no valid reason we dream. Our brain just fires randomly while we sleep and when it does there is no significance for this.

Sources: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-literary-mind/200911/why-do-we-dream

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/neuroskeptic/files/2010/04/whydowedream1.jpg