Dreams

Why We Sleep

• People can enter into different states of consciousness, or awareness.

• Sleep is difficult to study but has been aided by technology such as the electroencephalograph (EEG).

The conscious mind involves thoughts that someone is aware of at any given moment.

Concious (Ego)

The preconscious mind involves things that can be brought into consciousness at any time.

Preconscious (Super Ego)

The unconscious mind includes the thoughts and feelings that exist outside of one's conscious awareness.

Unconscious (ID)

• There are different theories about why we sleep. Possible purposes of sleep include:

  • ​conserving energy

  • protecting us from danger at night

  • dreaming

  • restoring the mind • clearing the mind of useless information

Why We Sleep (countinued)

Quantity and Quality of Sleep

• The quantity of sleep needed varies by individual and by age; in general, sleep requirements are the greatest for newborns and then decrease with age.
• Sleep cycles are regulated by environmental cues and a biological clock called a circadian rhythm.

Stages of Sleep

• There are five different stages of sleep, as evidenced by EEG recordings.
• In Stages I and II of sleep, your pulse slows and your muscles begin to relax.
• In Stage III sleep, large-amplitude brain waves appear about every second.
• Stage IV – is the deepest sleep; sleepwalking may occur
• In Stage V REM sleep occurs
• During a normal period of sleep, people cycle through all five stages several times.
• The majority of time asleep is spent in stages I through IV.

Quantity and Quality of Sleep (countinued)

• Common sleep disorders:
• insomnia: inability to get enough sleep
• sleep apnea: sleep breathing interruptions
• narcolepsy: a permanent feeling of tiredness
• night terrors: happens during Stage IV sleep, may involve screaming, sweating, and confusion
• sleepwalking: walking or taking other normal actions while not entirely awake

Dreams

• Dreams during REM sleep are often vivid/dramatic.
• Dreams often include everyday activities.
• Nightmares are exceptionally negative dreams, and may be related to heightened stimulation in the part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions.

Dreams (countined)

• Different theories about the meaning of dreams:
• A process for working through difficult thoughts.
• A chance to interact with the departed.
• An unimportant part of normal brain functioning.
• A way to reflect on and solve problems.
• A way to get rid of unneeded memories.
• Daydreaming is idle but directed thinking. It may improve creativity and help us control emotions.