Everyone has dreams. Some dreams are pleasurable. Other dreams are frightening. Many dreams can be just odd or disturbing. But the big question remains – why do we dream? Scientists, philosophers, and historians have wondered about the role of dreams for centuries. They have yet to fully answer the question, but there are many reasonable theories to consider. Let’s look at them one step at a time, in simple words and terms.
Read more: Is Free Will Real or Just an Illusion?
What Are Dreams?
Dreams are stories/images we see while sleeping. They can contain a person, place, sound, and/or emotion. Sometimes dreams feel real. Other times they can be fantastical. The brain develops these stories while we sleep. Even though our body is at rest, our brain is still hard at work.
When Do We Dream?
We tend to dream in a sleep state called REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. REM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep where the brain is active, and the eyes are moving rapidly under the eyelids. Most dreams occur in the REM sleep state. Sometimes we also dream in other states of sleep. However, dreams are generally more vivid in REM sleep, and typically, easier to remember.
The Science of Dreams
Scientists have been studying dreams for decades. They have lots of theories, but no one knows for sure. A number of concepts are consistent with what many people believe.
- Dreams Help You Process Thought
Every day your brain is receiving tons of information; facts, feelings, images, and memories. While you sleep, your brain processes and sorts the information. It disposes of useless information and retains what is useful. Dreams may help in processing and sifting information. Your brain puts pieces together as a dream. This would help you make sense of your day. - Dreams are an Expression of Feeling
Feelings are often present in dreams. If you are sad, your dream could be gravely gloomy. If you are afraid, you might have a nightmare or dream of storms. Happiness can be present as well. When you sleep, your brain doesn’t take a break from feelings. In Fact, sleep is the time when feelings can be more present in dreams. And that is what makes dreams feel so powerful. - Dream You Have a Problem
Have you ever gone to bed with a problem on your mind? And when you wake up the next morning feel much clearer? Sometimes your dreams further investigate the problem. The brain does not sleep when you sleep, it continues to work. It explores ideas. It relives experiences. This helps to find alternate solutions. - Dreams are a way to learn
Dreams also assist memory. If you study in the daytime and sleep well at night, you may increase your memory. The brain duplicates and strengthens new learning while you are asleep. Dreams are a part of this process.
Why do some dreams not make sense?
In many dreams, things do not make sense. People fly. Animals talk. Time does not seem to move in blocks. This happens because the part of your brain that thinks sleeps during REM sleep. The emotional and creative parts of your brain do not stop working. This is why dreams often appear as art. They rely on feelings, not logic.
Why Do We Forget Dreams?
We often forget many dreams as soon as we wake up. This is quite normal. Dreams don’t always turn into long-term memory in the brain. Unless the dream is especially emotional or you wake up right in the middle of it, you will forget it very quickly. To remember dreams, make a habit of writing them down upon waking. So, keeping a dream journal is even better.
Nightmares and Stress
Not all dreams are pleasant to think about. Nightmares are scary dreams. They often come from anxiety, stress, fears, or trauma. Children usually have more nightmares than adults. But adults also get nightmares if they have stressors or difficulties going on. If you have persistent nightmares, it may be helpful to work through your thoughts or concerns. If you feel more at ease, your dreams may be calmer too.
How to Prepare for Good Dreams — Steps to Take
Here are some preparations that can help you succeed in the dream world. Care for your soul. Take questions to Allah through prayer (two rakaat) in a mosque or washroom, and sincerely ask whatever you would like help with.
Practice gratitude. Write down, or think about, whatever good is happening and draw attention to your belief in Allah. Watch your diet. Remember, you are not the same person in your sleep. Ensure whatever food is going into your body is halal (neither harmful nor reserved for the human) – best to sleep on an empty stomach.
Ask Allah for protection. Always ask Allah for daily protection before you sleep. Focus on your prayer. Ask Allah for good dreams. Specify to Allah whatever you do not want (no nightmares). Be conscious of your sleep environment. Assess how your sleep environment impacts your sleep. Be conscious of your bedding, your room, and common noises outside of your apartment or house.
Say a du’a at bedtime, read the Qur’an, and spend some time in reflection as you fall asleep. Reflection is important. Concentrate on good thoughts, and why particular memories or thoughts are positive for you. Focus on good reasons you will be thinking and dreaming good things. You can’t guarantee there won’t be bad dreams, but an intention of good is very important. Above be mindful that you will be questioned, and it would be best to take importance with what you see or think about during your reflections and dreams. Do your best to secure a good sleep so you can consider and resolve these in your prayers.
Dreams in the Life of the Prophet
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also experienced true dreams. Sometimes, they would show future events. The companions of the Prophet also experienced important dreams, some of which even changed the course of actions in their lives. In a Hadith, the Prophet mentioned, “True dreams are one part of forty-six parts of Prophethood” (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, etc.). So, this indicates that dreams can certainly have significance.
Can Dreams Reveal the Future?
There are some people who believe dreams can reveal the future. However, in Islam, it is only good dreams from Allah that may be a revelation like that. But even then, not all good dreams will be a revelation. The majority of good dreams are no more than reminders or signs. Hence, we should not make large decisions based on our dreams alone. We should also depend on reasoning, prayer (Istikhara), and guidance from halif, wise people.
What about Lessons From Dreams?
Dreams can be valuable gifts. They can highlight aspects of who we are and surface fears, hopes, and thoughts we don’t know we have. They can also remind us that our brains are always working. Dreams can lead us closer to knowing ourselves. If we engage with our dreams we may be blessed to grow from them. But we must try to never lose our balance. Hence, a dream is not always communicative, it may just be the brain’s method of resting or sorting things out.
In Closing
Dreams exist in life. They link thought and sleep. Science studies them. Religion respects them. Both parties acknowledge they can be powerful. Sometimes they can teach. Sometimes they can heal. Often, they simply rest the brain. Regardless of how or why this occurs, dreams can be one of Allah’s incredible signs. Next time you dream, remember that your mind may be speaking. Experience it. Reflect, but don’t fear. Trust in Allah, get some peaceful sleep and allow your dreams to guide your heart gently.
