Dreams

What actually are dreams? Dreaming is a different state of consciousness. Brains

are in constant activity and constantly giving odd brain waves. Dreams are a

communication of mind, body, and spirit. During dreams the mind reviews long and short

term memory. Dreams are mysteries of the mind and adventures of the sleeping brain.

While sleeping, there are two different classifications. These two classifications are

paradoxical sleep, also known as rapid eye movement (REM) and orthodox sleep also

known as non-REM sleep (Craig 1). During REM is the time the brain dreams. REM

occurs every sixty to ninety minutes. Dreams last from five to thirty minutes. Dreams are

important to our sleeping brain (Koch-Sheras 6).

During sleep the body is functioning at a very low level. The brain is constantly

giving off electric brain waves. During non-REM the brain waves are slow and large while

the body is calm. During REM brain waves speed up and become smaller, the body's heart

rate also speeds up. REM occupies about twenty percent of the night. While the brain is

dreaming, it is in the stage of REM. While the brain dreams it may have imaginary, but

real experiences. During dreams some sleepers may take part in the story or just watch the

tale unfold.

There are many different types of dreams. These dreams include lucid dreaming,

nightmares, and fantasies. In lucid dreaming the sleeper is conscious he/she is dreaming

and of what is going on. In some cases the dreamer may be allowed to control their dream

(Loyd 84). This is an exciting experience.

Besides lucid dreams, there are nightmares. These are frightening dreams that may

wake the sleeper up feeling axioms or fearful. Nightmares are usually causes of real life

anxieties or fears. Nightmares mostly occur in children because of their growing minds and

wonders. Along with nightmares, there are also night terrors. These are more terrifying

than nightmares and occur in children from ages three to five years old. Night terrors are

more common in men than in women. Night terrors usually are the cause of sleeping

disorders, such as sleepwalking and sleep talking.

Other than nightmares there are fantasies. Daydreams are considered fantasies,

which means anything your mind conjures while awake. Daydreams are usually enjoyable,

but in other cases they are frightening. All daydreams tend to involve some emotion, they

also may replay events that have happened during the dreamer present day life. During a

daydream the dreamers mind begins to wander and he/she loses their self in an imagined

scenario. If this scenario becomes fearful it is known as a day mare. Day mares, may

prevent the dreamer from having nightmares in the future.

Additionally everyone dreams. This includes babies, animals, people of all ages,

and the blind. Everyone dreams during REM. Though everyone dreams, some may not

remember their dreams. All people that know of colors, dream in color. There are many

different types if dreams, that may show the dreamer signs

In studies shown, there are differences in men and women's dreams. Because of

their lifestyles, dreams have become more similar in modern times (Kock-Sheras). Some

sleepers view dreams as if they are watching, but some view as if they take a part in their

dream. Dreams last five to thirty minutes and are as long as they seem. Many people have

different dreams every night. Others can return to a dream from a previous night, or some

may dream at will (Gonalez-Wippler 32).

Dreams may mean a number of different signs. There are numerous different

symbols that stand for a myriad of different things. Many studies have shown that dreams

are related to the dreamers deep wishes and fears. Other experts say dreams reflect our

past and may reflect our future. There are a number of books that