— By Chandra Mohan
Have you Ever woken up from a dream and thought, “What the heck was that?” One moment you’re flying over mountains, the next you’re running late for an exam you didn’t even know you had. Dreams can be bizarre, beautiful, terrifying — but why do we even have them in the first place?
Let’s break it down, Chandra-style.
🧠 The Science Behind Dreams
Dreams mostly happen during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep — a phase where your brain is super active, almost as if you’re awake. Your body, though? Completely relaxed. This is when the most vivid dreams occur.
Scientists have a few theories about why we dream:
1. Memory Filing Cabinet
Think of your brain like a messy desktop. Dreams might be your brain’s way of organizing — filing important stuff, deleting junk, and making sense of emotional moments.
📁 Example: You dream of your old school because your brain is processing some emotion tied to your childhood.
2. Emotional Detox
Dreams can be therapy. No kidding. Your brain replays situations to help you process feelings — whether it’s anxiety, love, fear, or regret.
😥 Ever dreamt of fighting with someone? You might be dealing with unresolved tension.
3. Problem Solving Mode: ON
Remember that “a-ha!” dream moment? Some scientists believe dreams help you solve problems creatively. Einstein and even Paul McCartney claimed dreams gave them breakthroughs!
💡 Dreams connect ideas in ways you never would while awake.
4. Brain Workout
Even when you sleep, your brain doesn’t clock out. Dreams might be “training simulations” — prepping you for real-life situations by imagining scenarios, risks, or reactions.
But Wait… Why So Weird?
Because dreams don’t have to follow logic. Your brain mixes memories, fears, hopes, and random images like a DJ spinning tracks. The result? A surreal remix called a dream.
Do We Dream Every Night?
Yes — most people dream 3 to 6 times per night during REM cycles. But we usually forget 90% of them within 5 minutes of waking up.
Final Thought from Chandra:
Dreams are like your brain’s late-night doodles — sometimes meaningful, sometimes nonsense, always fascinating. Whether it’s science, emotion, or a bit of mystery, dreaming is one of the coolest things your mind does for free.
So next time you dream of riding a zebra through a shopping mall — just roll with it.
Sweet dreams,
— Chandra