Why don't I dream?

While some of us often have vivid dreams, there are others who wonder, "Why don't I dream?" This question can cause worry, as it might make one question if there is something wrong with themselves or if it is normal not to dream.

What are dreams and why do we have them?

Dreams are not just simple mental images, thoughts, and emotions that can occur during sleep. They are more like a window into our subconscious. These nightly journeys can offer a wide range of experiences, from vivid and inspiring moments to disturbing or surreal scenarios. The diversity of dream experiences reflects the complexity of our brain, which remains highly active even during sleep.

The interpretation of dreams goes far back and finds its roots already in ancient Egypt. Even back then, people were aware that dreams are not just random events. Over time, numerous theories have been developed about why we dream. A significant theory suggests that dreams serve the function of processing and consolidating experiences during wakefulness. By recapping past events and emotions during sleep, the brain helps deepen our understanding of the world and prepares us for future challenges. At the same time, dreams can also emerge from suppressed or repressed emotions, desires, and fears.

Why do some people dream less than others?

There are several factors that can influence how often and how intensely someone dreams. One possible reason why some people dream less often could be their sleep architecture. Dreams mainly occur in the so-called REM sleep phase (Rapid Eye Movement), which makes up about 20-25% of the total sleep cycle. REM sleep is a phase of sleep in which eye movements are fast and irregular, while at the same time brain activity is increased. It is the phase where most dreams occur and is often associated with intense emotional experiences. During REM sleep, the body's muscles are relaxed, almost paralyzed, serving as a protective mechanism to prevent us from physically acting out our dreams. This phase of sleep is crucial for cognitive function and emotional well-being. People who spend less time in REM sleep may have fewer dreams or remember them less often.

Moreover, certain life circumstances and health conditions can influence dream experiences. Stress, sleep disorders, sleeping pills, alcohol, and certain medications can all lead to dreaming less or not remembering our dreams.

Can we promote dreaming?

For those who wish to dream more intensely or remember their dreams better, there are some strategies that can help:

• Healthy sleep hygiene: It's important to maintain regular sleeping times to support the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm. A relaxing sleeping environment can be achieved by dimming lights, avoiding loud noises, and setting a comfortable room temperature. Avoiding stimulants like television, smartphones, or computers shortly before bedtime helps the brain prepare for sleep, as the blue light from screens can affect the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

• Keep a dream journal: Keep a journal beside your bed and write down as many details as possible about your dreams immediately after waking up. Write down what you experienced, the people, places, or emotions that appeared in your dream. Regularly keeping a dream journal can improve your ability to remember dreams and help you recognize patterns or themes in your dreams.

• Lucid dreaming: Lucid dreaming involves learning techniques to become aware in the dream that you are dreaming. The MILD technique (Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams), for example, involves repeatedly imagining before falling asleep that you will become conscious in the dream. Regular practice of such techniques can increase the likelihood of experiencing lucid dreams.

• Mental preparation before bedtime: Take a few minutes to mentally prepare for sleep. Relaxation exercises like progressive muscle relaxation or breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Reading a calming book can also help relax the mind and facilitate the transition to sleep.

• Diet and exercise: A balanced diet rich in tryptophan can promote the production of serotonin and melatonin, two important hormones that regulate the sleep-wake rhythm. Foods like bananas, dairy products, nuts, and legumes are good sources of tryptophan. Regular physical exercise during the day can improve sleep quality and help you sleep better at night.

• Relaxation techniques before bedtime: Try different relaxation techniques to calm your body and mind before bedtime. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce physical tension. Breathing exercises can help deepen your breath and relax your body. Yoga combines breathing techniques with gentle stretches and can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.

By integrating these different strategies, you can strengthen your ability to dream and establish a deeper connection to your dream life.

Conclusion

Dreams are a fascinating and multi-layered phenomenon that offers us insight into the functioning of our brain during sleep. Although some people dream less intensely than others, the ability to dream is a universal human experience. By promoting healthy sleep hygiene and applying certain techniques, we may not only dream better but also establish a deeper connection to our subconscious. But like all other things in life, don't pressure yourself and take enough time.