Understanding our dreams and decoding their meanings

Summary

1. When and why do we dream?
• Sleep phases and their role in dreams
• REM sleep: the theater of dreams
• The brain's sorting of memories
• Physiological factors and dream memory
2. Deciphering the messages of dreams
• Hypnic jerk: sensation of falling
• Dreaming of running slowly or not being able to run
• Dreaming of losing a tooth
• Dreaming of a war or global conflict
• Dreaming of infidelity
3. Interpretations: between symbolism and subjectivity

Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of our dreams, explore their origins and uncover the mysteries behind these nocturnal scenarios. Because, let's face it, sleep is a unique universe where each of us has our own entry ticket, offering diverse and sometimes enigmatic experiences.

It's important to note that not everyone remembers their dreams. Some wake up with fragments of extraordinary adventures, while others have no memory at all, as if the night had been nothing more than a moment of uneventful darkness. Yet one thing is certain: we all dream, every night.

1. When and why do we dream?

Sleep is divided into different stages, including falling asleep, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. It is during this last stage that we dream most intensely. The brain is very active during this stage, and the eyes make rapid, incessant movements. REM sleep constitutes approximately 20 to 25% of total sleep time, and is more pronounced in the final cycles, explaining why some dreams persist after waking.

Researchers say our brains use sleep to store new memories while clearing out excess information accumulated during the day. Neurons act as gatekeepers, sorting dreams to retain memories deemed important and discard others. This is why we don't always remember our dreams, because our neurons selectively sort through them.

It's worth noting that there are individuals who frequently remember their dreams, with a higher-than-average density of white matter. In short, our physiology can influence our ability to remember our nocturnal adventures.

2. Deciphering the messages of dreams

Now that we've shed some light on the mechanics of dreams, let's explore some common dreams and try to decipher their meanings.

• The hypnic jerk: We've all experienced this at least once in our lives, that dizzying sensation of falling before sleep, the impression of falling into the void and waking up with a start. This unpleasant sensation is associated with a sudden muscle contraction while falling asleep. The brain, still partially awake, interprets the body's rest as a problem, causing a jolt and a feeling of falling. Quite simply!

• Dreaming of not being able to run or running slowly: Often symbolizing a feeling of insecurity or lack of control in life, these dreams sometimes reflect a difficult time, where one feels powerless in the face of the situation. Take a step back from this dream and reflect on the situation in question and how to resolve it.

• Dreaming of having a tooth fall out: This dream has different interpretations, depending on our beliefs but also on the way in which the tooth falls out, whether it is rather a molar that is pulled out, if we lose our tooth by falling out, if we lose all our teeth at once. Generally speaking, it is a symbol of loss in waking life, whether it is of self-confidence or communication. It can also reflect anxiety related to a decision to be made.

• Dreaming of a world war or participating in one: Inviting reflection on internal or external conflicts, this dream explores fears, struggles for survival, and the quest for resolution and peace in a sometimes turbulent context. Whether you are a warrior, a victim, or simply an observer of the conflict in your dream, it reflects your interaction with the conflicting aspects of life. It is a mirror of your struggle against challenges, your desire for security and peace, and your ability to find a path to reconciliation and renewal.

• Dreaming of being cheated on: Seeing your boyfriend or girlfriend cheating on you often represents abandonment issues and a lack of trust. These dreams can reflect emotional concerns and a need for attention in the relationship. It can also symbolize an inferiority complex about what others expect of you, especially in your intimate relationships, and denotes a lack of self-esteem. However, this dream may suggest that your subconscious is picking up on small clues that you are not being completely honest or committed in key relationships in your relationship.

If you have dreamed about this repeatedly, it means that you are drawing facts from your past relationships on this topic. Since you have already cheated, you lack confidence in yourself and therefore in your partner.

3. Interpretations: between symbolism and subjectivity

Remember, these interpretations can vary from culture to culture and are influenced by various factors such as age, physical condition, and individual beliefs.

In conclusion, even though our dreams can sometimes seem mysterious, they are fascinating windows into our psyche. Take the time to explore these nocturnal adventures, discuss them with loved ones, and perhaps discover valuable lessons for your waking life (perhaps the need for a new ear ?). After all, as long as your name isn't Madame Irma, nothing is real!