dreams and their interpretation

A brief history of dreams and their interpretation The interpretation of dreams by dream experts may be almost as old as dreaming itself. We know that all humans, and many animals, dream every night, and humans have always been fascinated to learn what causes dreams and what they mean. The interpretation of dreams dates back at least as far as 3000-4000 B.C. We know that because the interpretations of dreams were recorded in permanent form on clay tablets. It is thought that many primitive peoples were unable to initially distinguish between the real world and the dream world. In many cases, these people looked upon the dream world as an extension of the physical world around them, and in many cases they saw the dream world as more powerful than the waking one. Dream interpretation was such an important field to the ancient Greek and Roman world that dream interpreters often accompanied generals and other military leaders into battles. Dreams were taken extremely seriously, and the Greeks and Romans in particular often viewed dreams as messages sent by their gods. Dreams also had a religious content in ancient Egypt, and priests their doubled as dream interpreters. Dreams were among the items recorded by the ancient Egyptians in the form of hieroglyphics. Those whose dreams were especially vivid or significant were thought to be blessed and were given special status in these ancient societies. Likewise, people who were able to interpret dreams were thought to receive these gifts directly from the gods, and they enjoyed a special status in society as well. There are over 700 mentions of dreams in the bible, and people in biblical times saw dreams as very significant. Dreams and their interpretations are mentioned in many of the most significant books of the bible and other holy scriptures. In many cases, dreams were often seen as a form of prophecy. People often interpreted their dreams as omens or warnings, and adjusted their activities accordingly. Dreams were often thought of as omens from deities, as messages from spirits, or as messages from departed souls. In some cases, dreams were even seen as the work of demons, meant to confuse and trouble the dreamer. Dreams were so important that they often dictated the actions of political and military leaders, affecting everything from the prosecution of a battle to the outcome of a political decision. Dreams were also thought to provide vital clues to healers, and they were used in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners of illness. Dreaming was often looked upon by indigenous peoples as a way to commune directly with gods and spirits, and dreams are still used in this way by cultures around the world. Many people believed, and some still do, that during dream sleep the soul leaves the body and communes with the spirit world. The Chinese were one culture who believed that the soul left the body each night during dream sleep. They believed that if the dreamer were suddenly awakened the soul may not be able to return to the body. That is why some Chinese are still leery about the use of alarm clocks. This is just one example of how ancient legends can linger into the modern world. Some Mexican and Native American societies share this ancient view of the importance of dreams, and share the belief in a separate dimension that is visited during dream sleep. These people believed that their departed ancestors lived in their dreams, and that they were able to take forms like animals and plants. Thus dreams were seen as a way for them to commune with their recent and ancient ancestors, and to gather wisdom and knowledge that would serve them in their waking lives. Dreams were also seen as ways to gather information about their purpose or mission in life. The respect for dreams changed radically early in the 19th century, and dreams in that era were often dismissed as reactions to anxiety, outside noises or even bad food and indigestion. During this period of time, dreams were thought to have no meaning at all, and interest in dream interpretation all but evaporated. This all changed, however, with the arrival of Sigmund Freud later in the 19th century. Sigmund Freud stunned the world of psychiatry by stressing the importance of dreams, and he revived the once dead art of dream interpretation.

Dream Interpretation – Understanding the Sleep Cycle

Before we can understand just what takes place in the dreaming mind, and what it all means, it is a good idea to have an understanding of the sleep cycle, and the function of dream sleep within this sleep cycle. Dream sleep is a distinct part of the sleep cycle, different in almost every way from other types of sleep.

There are four distinct stages to the sleep cycle, and every human goes through several such sleep cycles in a typical night. The average full sleep cycle lasts from 90-120 minutes, so an average eight hour night of sleep could contain four or more separate sleep cycles.

Dreams may occur at any of the four stages of sleep, but the most vivid dreams, and the ones most likely to be remembered in the morning, occur during the REM stage of sleep. This sleep stage is generally referred to as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The name comes from the eye movements that are observed during this stage of sleep.

Since the entire sleep cycle repeats at least four and sometimes as many as seven, times per night, it is therefore possible and even likely that the same person will experience several different dreams every night. In most cases, however, the only dreams that are remembered are those that take place closest to waking. Not remembering dreams, however, does not mean they have not occurred.

 

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Let us begin our look at the four stages of sleep.

Stage 1

During the first stage of sleep, the sleeper’s eyes move back and forth in an erratic fashion. For this reason, this stage of sleep is referred to as REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep. This stage generally occurs from 90-100 minutes after the initial onset of sleep. During this period of sleep, the blood pressure rises and the heart rate and respiration speeds up and may become erratic as well. During this stage of sleep, the voluntary muscles become paralyzed. This stage of sleep is the one in which the majority of dreaming occurs.

Stage 2

Stage two is a light sleep, and it is characterized by non rapid eye movements. During this stage of sleep the muscles are relaxed that the heart rate is slowed. This stage of sleep prepares the body for deeper sleep.

Stage 3 and 4

Stages three and four also feature non rapid eye movements. During stages three and four of the sleep cycle, the body enters into a deep sleep. You are completely asleep during both stages, but stage four is more intense than stage three.

All four stages of sleep repeat themselves throughout the sleep period, generally occurring from four to seven times. Each time the sleeper enters REM sleep, dreaming occurs. Sometimes dreamers remember dreams from earlier in the night, but in most cases the dreams that are remembered are those that occur closest to waking.

Researchers know, however, that dreaming occurs during all four to seven sessions of REM sleep. They know this through their work with volunteers who agree to be awakened during REM sleep. Those awakened during REM sleep generally provide very vivid descriptions of those dreams, as do those who awaken naturally during a particularly vivid, intense or frightening dream.

　

Dream Interpretation and Types of Dreams

 

Dream researchers have discovered several distinct categories of dreams, and these dream categories can be very useful both to people attempting to interpret their own dreams and to professional psychologist and therapists striving to interpret the dreams of others.  This article will discuss these categories of dreams.

Dream #1 – the Daydream

While not technically a dream, since it takes place while we are awake, researchers are looking into just where the daydream fits on the spectrum of dreaming, and what it can teach us about more traditional dreams.

It is estimated that most people spend between 70 and 120 minutes each day engaged in daydreaming.  Daydreaming is thought to be a level of consciousness below that of a normal waking state but above that of sleep.  Daydreaming falls about midway between these two extremes. 

During a daydream, we allow our imaginations to take us away from the mundane tasks of the day.  As the mind is allowed to wander and conscious awareness is reduced, we can become lost in the fantasy or imaginary scenario.

 

Dream #2 – the Lucid Dream

Lucid dreams are among the most fascinating subjects in all of dream research.  Lucid dreaming takes place when the dreamer realizes that he or she is dreaming while still immersed in the dream.  Lucid dreaming occurs in that moment when you tell yourself – “This is only a dream”.  The occurrence of lucid dreams varies widely from person to person, with some people reporting never having lucid dreams and others reporting almost 100% lucid dreams.

While most dreamers wake up when they realize that they are in a dream, other people are able to develop the ability to remain in the dream and take control of it.  These people are able to become an active participant in their dreams, and to take the dream narrative where they want it to go.  These people experience some of the most enjoyable and interesting dreams.

Dream #3 – the Nightmare

Many people are troubled by frightening and disturbing dreams, commonly known as nightmares.  Young children in particular often suffer from nightmares brought on by fears of monsters in their closets and under the bed, as well as other types of fear. 

Of course nightmares are not confined to childhood, and many adults, particularly those who have suffered real life trauma, are particularly susceptible to nightmares.  Those people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as soldiers returning from war, and rescue workers who have been through harrowing situations, report a higher incidence of nightmares than the public at large.

Many people who suffer from frequent nightmares report a history of real life problems, including psychiatric problems, problems with drugs or alcohol, or problems with family relationships.  Treatment for frequent nightmares should therefore be aimed at dealing with the initial trauma or traumas that created the situation in the first place.

 

Dream #4 – the Recurring Dream

Most people have had a recurring dream at one point in their life, a dream that repeats itself, with minor variations or even none at all.  Recurring dreams can be about any subject, and they focus on that subject night after night. 

Some recurring dreams are positive and uplifting, but studies show the majority of recurring dreams to be negative in nature.  Dreams can recur in this manner because the real life event that triggered it has remained unresolved.  Dealing with the real life trauma responsible for recurring nightmares is often the best way to banish the bad dream.

Some dreamers report experiencing narrative dreams, in which the dream picks up where it left off night after night.  These dreams are somewhat rare, but the people who experience them report them to be very vivid and memorable.  Keeping a dream journal can be a big help in both remembering and interpreting these kinds of dreams.

Dream #5 – the Healing Dream

Healing dreams are often seen as sending a message to the dreamer regarding his or her health.  Healing dreams often spur the dreamer to take a long delayed trip to the dentist or doctor.

Dream #6 – the Prophetic Dream

Prophetic dreams are also known as precognitive dreams, and the people experiencing these dreams often report the ability to use them to foretell the future.  Independent studies of these types of dreams are rare, and the jury remains out on whether this ability to see the future exists.

One non supernatural explanation for the prophetic dream is that the subconscious mind pieces together bits of information encountered throughout the day, then puts them together in a form that makes sense to the dreamer.

Dream #7 – the Epic Dreams

Epic dreams are somewhat rare, but they are unforgettable to those who experience them.  Epic dreams are so vivid, and so compelling that they simply cannot be ignored.  The tiniest details of these dreams are often remembered for many years.   These epic dreams may possess lots of symbols and meaning for the dreamer.

 

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