According to a recent podcast, the mysterious world of dreams and nightmares is being unraveled by scientists. Dr Michelle Carr's book 'Into the Dream Lab' delves into this subject matter.
Dreams are often seen as a way for our brain to sort out unnecessary information it gathered during the day, according to the experts interviewed in the podcast. This theory suggests that while we sleep, our brain is constantly processing experiences from our waking lives and using its own internal logic to categorize them. This process helps us avoid being bombarded by too many bits of data.
In contrast, nightmares are thought to be a result of an overactive brain trying to regulate our emotions during the REM stage of sleep. Research suggests that if we're stressed out or anxious before bed, this can lead to more vivid and intense dreams at night, with nightmares possibly being a manifestation of those unresolved emotions.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered certain patterns that occur in both dreams and nightmares - such as visual and emotional connections between seemingly unrelated events. This phenomenon is thought to be linked to the brain's attempt to make sense of our experiences by weaving together different memories and emotions into cohesive narratives.
The podcast also delves into the world of lucid dreaming, where some people are able to become aware they're dreaming while still asleep and can then exert control over the narrative. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and the human mind's ability to manipulate its own internal narratives.
By exploring the complex science behind dreams and nightmares, Dr Michelle Carr sheds light on a previously misunderstood subject area. Her insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the workings of our minds while we sleep, highlighting both the creative potential and the darker corners of our subconscious thoughts.
Dreams are often seen as a way for our brain to sort out unnecessary information it gathered during the day, according to the experts interviewed in the podcast. This theory suggests that while we sleep, our brain is constantly processing experiences from our waking lives and using its own internal logic to categorize them. This process helps us avoid being bombarded by too many bits of data.
In contrast, nightmares are thought to be a result of an overactive brain trying to regulate our emotions during the REM stage of sleep. Research suggests that if we're stressed out or anxious before bed, this can lead to more vivid and intense dreams at night, with nightmares possibly being a manifestation of those unresolved emotions.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered certain patterns that occur in both dreams and nightmares - such as visual and emotional connections between seemingly unrelated events. This phenomenon is thought to be linked to the brain's attempt to make sense of our experiences by weaving together different memories and emotions into cohesive narratives.
The podcast also delves into the world of lucid dreaming, where some people are able to become aware they're dreaming while still asleep and can then exert control over the narrative. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and the human mind's ability to manipulate its own internal narratives.
By exploring the complex science behind dreams and nightmares, Dr Michelle Carr sheds light on a previously misunderstood subject area. Her insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the workings of our minds while we sleep, highlighting both the creative potential and the darker corners of our subconscious thoughts.