And perhaps there-in lies the answer…

Perhaps each individual dreams for their own unique purposes. Some dream as a result of being over-tired and to obtain more rest, some dream to escape reality and go on adventures that would never occur in everyday life, some believe they are in contact with other “realms” or alternate realities, others (like myself) dream to discern solutions to problems that they are seemingly incapable of manifesting while awake. So, couldn’t we all be right? Perhaps our subconscious minds merely give each of us what our waking selves are lacking, and there is no single collective reason that we dream. I believe it to be entirely subjective.

And as far as the 3rd trimester fetuses and dreaming goes, my theory would also support the theory that our subconscious minds are preparing our conscious selves for waking life, as those dreams would help prepare the fetus for what it lacked: experience in life outside the womb.

While reading this post, one part specifically resonated with me the most: “…Dr. Hobson argues that dreaming is a parallel state of consciousness that is continually running but normally suppressed during waking.” A concept I have never really considered, to me, it sounds pretty viable. Think about it: when we’re awake we’re faced with all challenges of our day, from the second we wake up in the morning to the second we fall asleep. We wake up thinking about what lies ahead of us for the day, what we’re going to wear, what (or if) we’re going to eat breakfast, and so on; even something as simple as thinking about turning the alarm off. As the day progresses new challenges are presented and they sit up there in your brain along with the pre-existing ones so our brains are going non-stop. Its completely preoccupied.

Enter daydreaming: For me, usually during a class thats particularly boring me that day (Never yours Prof. R… don’t worry =D ) and my brain is still and the continuous dream flow is recognized from my brain. Then, eventually, I snap out of it and my challenges are at the forefront.

While we’re sleeping, these challenges aren’t being thought of, therefore, the dream flow is playing at the forefront of our minds.

Its an interesting theory… one I’ll have to definitely keep in mind!

As for my subconscious emotions, I often dream about yelling at my step-dad and reading him off like no one’s business. These are deep rooted feelings from being treated very poorly by my step-dad. In my dreams, I finally have the freedom to say how I feel.

I don’t believe dreams have a significant meaning other than an indication of our physical, mental, and emotional state of being.

Just as in waking life, while we have some understanding of the neurochemical bases for various psychological disorders, we haven’t discounted the need for therapists and counselors.

Various physiological and psychological theories provide explanations for why we tend to forget our dreams.