What are some common dreams and what causes them?

According to Aishwarya Raj, a clinical psychologist based in Delhi-NCR, while one theory suggests that dreaming is a way for the brain to process emotions, memories, and experiences from the day, another theory proposes that dreaming helps with problem-solving and creativity.

“Additionally, dreaming may serve as a form of mental rehearsal, allowing us to practice and prepare for future events. Overall, dreaming is thought to be a complex and multifaceted process that plays a role in various aspects of our mental and emotional well-being,” she says.

Dr Austin Fernandes, psychiatrist, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai explains that during sleep, the brain can sort through memories, emotions, and experiences, integrating them into our long-term memory and helping us make sense of our waking experiences. “Dreams may also serve as a mechanism for emotional regulation. They can provide an opportunity for the brain to process and work through intense emotions, unresolved conflicts, or unexpressed desires. Dreams may offer a symbolic representation of our emotional experiences, allowing us to explore and understand our feelings in a safe and unconscious realm,” he adds.

As for problem-solving and creativity, Dr Fernandes shares that when we sleep, the brain can engage in free association, making novel connections, and exploring alternative solutions to challenges or dilemmas we may be facing in our waking lives.

“Dreams may provide a unique space for the brain to generate ideas and insights that may not emerge readily during wakefulness. Dreams are believed to be associated with brain activity during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. REM sleep is characterised by heightened brain activity, vivid dreams, and rapid eye movements. It is thought that the neurochemical and physiological processes occurring during REM sleep play a role in the generation of dreams,” he says.

Consequently, he highlights that dreams can have different meanings for different individuals as they can be influenced by personal experiences, emotions, and subconscious thoughts. “Analysing dreams can sometimes provide insights into our inner thoughts, feelings, and conflicts, but it requires a careful and individualised approach,” he says.

Not all dreams carry significant emotional impact or meaning (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

While dreams can be highly individual and influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and psychological factors, there are several themes and scenarios that tend to recur irrespective of the differences. Dr Fernandes mentions a few such dreams and what they may indicate.

Falling: Many people report dreams of falling, often accompanied by a sudden awakening or a jolt. These dreams may reflect feelings of insecurity, a lack of control, or a sense of being overwhelmed in certain aspects of life.

Being chased or pursued: Dreams involving being chased, often by an unknown figure or a threatening presence, are quite common. These dreams can symbolise avoidance, fear, or a sense of being pursued by responsibilities, conflicts, or unresolved issues.

Flying: Dreams of flying or soaring through the air are frequently reported. These dreams can represent a sense of freedom, liberation, or a desire to transcend limitations. They often reflect a desire for independence, empowerment, or a need to escape from restrictive situations.

Teeth falling out: Dreams about teeth falling out or crumbling are relatively common. These dreams can be associated with feelings of vulnerability, concerns about appearance or ageing, or difficulties with communication or self-expression.

But, why do we have such common dreams?

“Many common dreams reflect universal human experiences, emotions, and concerns. Falling, being chased, and feeling unprepared are all experiences that most people can relate to on some level. These dreams may arise as a result of our shared human psyche and the emotions and challenges that we commonly face,” Dr Fernandes says.

He further says that common dream themes may serve as symbolic representations of deeper psychological issues or unresolved conflicts in our waking lives.

While certain dream themes are widely reported, the specific content and meaning of dreams can be influenced by individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal associations. “For example, being chased may have different connotations for someone with a history of trauma compared to someone who simply feels overwhelmed by daily stressors. It is important to remember that dreams are highly subjective and can have multiple layers of meaning. While common dream themes provide a starting point for understanding dreams, the interpretation of specific dreams requires an understanding of the individual’s unique experiences and psychological makeup,” Dr Fernandes says.

If we awaken during or immediately after a dream, we are more likely to remember it (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Raj adds that while dreams do not necessarily signify mental or physical health concerns, certain patterns or recurring themes in dreams may provide insights into our emotional well-being. “For example, frequent nightmares or distressing dreams can be associated with anxiety, trauma, or unresolved psychological issues. Additionally, vivid or unusual dreams can be a side effect of certain medications or medical conditions,” she says.

People frequently complain of forgetting their dreams minutes after waking up. Raj says that one reason is the nature of REM sleep, the stage during which most vivid dreaming occurs. “The brain activity during REM sleep is distinct from wakefulness, and it may affect the encoding and consolidation of dream memories. Additionally, as we transition from sleep to wakefulness, the brain focuses on processing and storing new information, causing older memories, including dreams, to fade quickly. Lack of significance or emotional salience in dreams can also contribute to forgetting them, as our memory tends to prioritise more meaningful experiences,” she says.

Agreeing, Dr Fernandes says that if we awaken during or immediately after a dream, we are more likely to remember it. But if we wake up during a different sleep stage or during a period of less intense dreaming, dream recall may be limited.

Additionally, not all dreams carry significant emotional impact or meaning, he says. “Dreams that lack emotional intensity or that are not personally meaningful may be less likely to be stored in our long-term memory or recalled upon waking. Our brains tend to prioritise memories that have a stronger emotional impact or are perceived as more relevant to our waking lives,” Dr Fernandes says.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!