Episode 7 – Dreams

Welcome to episode 7 of the Sleep & Health Podcast. 

The brain is in a very active state when we are dreaming -the dream state is known as paradoxical sleep.  In today episode -

1.      Why we Dream? What is the function?

1.      Regulating our emotions.

2.      Rehearsal of threats -VR simulator

Dreaming help process our everyday emotions and memories. 

Dreaming happens in a part of the brain a part of the hippocampus, responsible for emotional processing. The brain combines events that have happened in real life with different emotions, feelings and outcomes and this is where the VR simulator comes into play. If you don’t get a good nights sleep, your ability to control emotions the next day is compromised. 

Dreams create a safe space where the brain can work out real-life problems and issues without real life consequences. 

When you dream, you go into a state of self-induced paralysis. This is known as Atonia -the only muscles that work etc..

The brain must suppress physical movement because they are very real and one of the chemicals it suppresses is nor-adrenaline -this is adrenaline for the brain. What does that do? Why is that important? It makes us chemically immune to stress while we dream 

 2.      Replenish neurotransmitters. 
Dreaming is like a chemical fertilizer for the activation of neurons. 

3.      Enhancing creativity & ability to think outside the box

The ability to zone out and daydream is how our brain makes non-linear pathways between 2 points -If finds solutions to problems  - the standard solutions are not working, so we must think creatively. 

4.      Neuroplasticity & Learning. 

When we study for an exam, we try to cram in a ton of information into the brain. We have a limited capacity -think about it like RAM for a computer. It gets to a point where we push too much in and we lose earlier information. 

5.      Atonia and sleep paralysis

This is important so we don’t act out our dreams. The nervous system incapacitates the muscular system. It does this as we enter the dream state or REM sleep. Then as we finish our dreams, there is a reactivation of the muscular system.  

6.      Nightmares vs Night Terrors

There are some key differences here between nightmares and night terrors. 

Scheduled awakening is often the go-to treatment since night terrors occur around roughly the same time each night.

For older children and adults, behavioural therapy can often help reduce stress and improve sleep. Although research on therapy for night terrors remains limited, potential treatments include psychotherapy, relaxation therapy or hypnosis.

7.      Interpreting Dreams

 ·         Being Chased

Being chased is maybe about running away from something, Any stressful period in life can bring about chasing dreams, and they are especially common for those of us who avoid confrontation, and conflict. 

·         Being Naked in Public

·         Falling 

·         Flying

·         Losing Teeth

·         Taking a Test

·         Dying