On this World Dream Day on 25th September, we embark on a journey to the heart of the dream realm. Recently, the team of ThePleasantDream came across a study that had some fascinating findings.
The team asked psychologists, psychiatrists, and sleep experts to share their wisdom and insights, shedding light on the essential elements of the world of dreams.
Let’s see what the experts have to say!
How can our dreams reveal our emotions and thoughts?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
From my experience, dreams often act as a mirror to our subconscious. When we dream, our mind processes emotions and thoughts that we might not be consciously aware of during our waking hours.
For example, if someone feels stressed about something at work, they might dream of being chased or trapped. It’s a way for our mind to communicate with us, to bring certain feelings to the forefront. Looking into and analyzing our dreams can bring clarity to our emotions.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
Dreams act as a mirror, reflecting our subconscious mind. When we dream, our brain processes emotions, thoughts, and experiences, often in symbolic or abstract ways. For instance, someone going through a breakup might dream of storms or rough seas, representing inner turmoil. Analyzing these symbols can offer insight into suppressed emotions or unresolved conflicts.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
Dreams are a window into our inner world, often reflecting our emotions, thoughts, and subconscious processes. Here’s how dreams can reveal these aspects. Dreams can magnify and bring to the surface emotions that we may not be fully aware of in our waking lives.
For example, a recurring dream of falling may indicate feelings of insecurity or loss of control. Dreams can incorporate thoughts, concerns, and memories from our waking life. They may weave these elements into a narrative that reflects our preoccupations or unresolved issues.
Understanding dreams’ emotional and cognitive content can offer valuable insights into our psychological well-being.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
Our dreams reveal our emotions and thoughts because they are often the unprocessed garbage of the day, and our brain is using our sleep as a way to take the trash out or to digest the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of the day.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
Dreams often serve as a direct line to our emotional and psychological state. They give us an opportunity to process feelings and thoughts that we might not be fully aware of when we are awake.
Analyzing the people, places, and events in our dreams can offer valuable insights into our current emotional well-being and bring to light issues or thoughts that may need further exploration.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
While there are scores of theories about dreams, and many people believe they are meaningless….just the brain detoxing at night, I personally believe that Positive Psychology offers the most empowering perspective on dreams/nightmares.
It declares that dreams have no general meanings; rather, they are specific to the individual in context at the time of the dream. They are reflecting something to us that is occurring in our personal, professional, or intrapersonal relationships.
Whatever happens in our dreams is an attempt to resolve, release, or remind us of something we need to look at. We are all highly individual and certainly experience things in common, but its meaning and resolution are specific to the Self. Whatever occurs in dreams is for our highest good.
How do cultural factors influence dream interpretation?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
Different cultures have unique symbols, beliefs, and traditions that can influence the way dreams are perceived.
For example, in some cultures, dreaming of a snake might be seen as a bad omen, while in others, it could symbolize transformation or healing. Understanding the cultural context when interpreting dreams is always important, as it provides a richer and more accurate understanding.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
Cultural context plays a pivotal role in dream interpretation. Symbols, animals, or situations that might be viewed positively in one culture might have a negative connotation in another.
For example, snakes in some cultures might symbolize danger or deceit, but in others, they represent healing or transformation. Personal beliefs, religious teachings, and societal norms deeply influence how we perceive and interpret our dreams.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
Cultural factors play a significant role in dream interpretation. Different cultures have unique symbols, meanings, and beliefs related to dreams. For example:
Symbolism – Objects, animals, or dream events may have varying cultural interpretations. A snake, for instance, may symbolize danger in one culture and transformation in another. Beliefs – Cultural and religious beliefs can influence how dreams are perceived. Some cultures view dreams as divine messages, while others see them as a product of the mind.
Cultural stories, myths, and legends can shape the content and themes of dreams. These stories can become part of the dreamer’s personal dream symbolism.
When analyzing dreams, it’s essential to consider the dreamer’s cultural background, beliefs, and individual experiences and associations.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
Different countries and cultures interpret dreams as having a lot of meaning or no meaning. We tend to focus a lot on conscious thoughts and little on unconscious dreams.
The integration of both is very important to understand the whole body. This is especially true with post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma because our nightmares tell us a great deal about where to focus in order to heal.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
The way we interpret dreams is often significantly shaped by our cultural background. The stories, beliefs, and values we’ve grown up with can influence the symbols, themes, and emotions in our dreams.
For example, a snake in a dream might have different implications for someone from a culture where snakes are viewed as sacred compared to a culture where they are seen as dangerous.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Cultural factors influence dream interpretations in that the individual either buys into their culture’s mores, norms, and beliefs or eschews them.
What are some common misconceptions about dreams, and can you debunk any of them?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
One common misconception I often hear is that dreams can predict the future. While dreams can provide insights into our feelings and thoughts, they aren’t prophetic. Another myth is that if you die in your dream, you die in real life. This is simply not true. Dreams are a safe space for our minds to explore various scenarios, even the most frightening ones!
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
Misconception: We only dream during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
Truth: While most vivid dreams occur during REM, dreaming can happen in any sleep stage.
Misconception: Everyone dreams in color.
Truth: Some people dream exclusively in black and white. It’s a phenomenon not entirely understood, but factors like exposure to black-and-white media might play a role.
Misconception: If you die in your dream, you die in real life.
Truth: This is purely a myth. Many people have experienced dreams where they’ve died and woken up perfectly fine.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
Misconception: Dreams are purely random.
Debunked: While dreams can seem random, they often reflect our subconscious thoughts and emotions. They have meaning and can be analyzed for insights.
Misconception: Dreaming is exclusive to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Debunked: Dreams can occur during other sleep stages too. REM dreams are more vivid, but non-REM dreams also exist.
Misconception: Dreaming is only about wish fulfillment.
Debunked: Freud’s theory of dreams as wish fulfillment is just one perspective. Dreams can serve various psychological functions, including processing emotions and problem-solving.
Misconception: Dreams predict the future.
Debunked: Dreams are not prophetic. They reflect the dreamer’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences but do not predict specific events.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
I think there are common misconceptions about night terrors and children. Although a child may wake up abruptly and look horrified, it may have very little to do with dreaming content. However, if an adult wakes up and is horrified by a nightmare, it likely has a significant amount to do with their emotions and thoughts.
One myth I can debunk is that not all penis-shaped objects in your dream mean you’re thinking about sex or penises. It’s not that clear and you need to consider the whole person and their life before you interpret symbols in dreams.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
People often think dreams are meaningless or just random neural activities. However, they are more like conversations between our conscious and unconscious minds, offering important clues about our emotional state.
Another misconception is that dreams can predict the future. While they might signal things we should pay attention to, they are not predictive in a mystical sense but reflect our current emotional and psychological state.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Common misconceptions are that there are general meanings of dream symbols. I always caution clients not to consult Dr. Google or the Big Book of Dream Symbols; rather, go within where the answers are for each unique being.
What types of products, such as sleep aids or dream journals, can enhance the quality of one’s dreams or the overall sleep experience?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
Dream journals are a great tool for reflection. We can identify patterns and themes by writing down our dreams immediately after waking up.
This practice helps improve dream recall and provides a deeper understanding of our subconscious mind. As for sleep aids, it’s key to approach them with extreme caution. While some natural remedies like chamomile tea can help with relaxation, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any sleep aids.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
Dream journals can be instrumental in understanding and remembering dreams. Writing down dreams immediately upon waking helps recall details that might fade as the day progresses.
As for sleep aids, while some, like melatonin, can help induce sleep, it’s essential to use them judiciously and under medical supervision. Tools like white noise machines or weighted blankets can also promote a more restful sleep.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
- Dream Journals: Keeping a dream journal by your bedside and recording your dreams as soon.
- as you wake up can improve dream recall and allow for later analysis.
- Aromatherapy: Certain scents, like lavender, can promote relaxation and enhance dream quality when used as part of a bedtime routine.
- Sleep Aids: Some natural sleep aids, like melatonin or valerian root, may influence the sleep cycle and potentially affect dream content.
- Sleep Trackers: Wearable sleep trackers can provide insights into sleep patterns, which can help identify factors that influence dream quality.
- Meditation and Mindfulness Apps: These apps can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to more peaceful sleep and potentially more pleasant dreams.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
I believe that you can learn to change your dreams. Sleep journals intending to tell yourself what you will dream about are often quite effective. It can be used as a type of meditation and grounding exercise before bed, calming your mind and leaving you less likely to have nightmares.
I also believe that we can learn to train our dreams, so if we are waking up in the middle of the night from a dream or nightmare, we can practice telling the story in a way that we want it to play out, and we will fall asleep, with the mindful intention of a lovely dream.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
Products like aromatherapy diffusers filled with calming oils can create a relaxing environment conducive to better sleep and more vivid dreams.
Personally, I’ve found that keeping a dream journal can be extremely useful in observing recurring themes, which can offer valuable insights into your subconscious mind and overall emotional health.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Logging in dream journals can allow one to assess in the light of day according to the theory outlined in Point 1 above. The answers are all within.
Right before sleep, inviting your unconscious to send you signals in your dreams is a great way to enhance your mind at night to send you messages. Practicing proper sleep hygiene can enhance your REM state and sounder sleep (no sugar or carbs before bed, no scary stimuli, keeping a spa-like environment in your bedroom clutter, etc.
What can individuals do to improve dream recall?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
Improving dream recall often involves having a consistent sleep schedule, meaning going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Additionally, keeping a dream journal, as said above, can significantly improve dream recall. Another tip I’d recommend is to lie still for a few moments upon waking, allowing the dream to solidify in your memory before starting your day.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
Improving dream recall involves a few practices:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, especially before bedtime.
- Keep a dream journal beside your bed and jot down dreams immediately upon waking.
- Focus on intentionality; before sleeping, tell yourself that you wish to remember your dreams.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
Improving dream recall involves cultivating mindfulness and practice. Here are some tips:
- Keep a dream journal by your bedside and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up, even if they are fragments.
- Set the intention to remember your dreams before going to sleep. Tell yourself you will recall your dreams upon waking.
- Stay in the same position upon waking, as movement can disrupt the memory of dreams.
- Wake up naturally whenever possible, as alarm clocks can jolt you awake and make dream recall more challenging.
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation before bed to improve sleep quality and dream recall.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
Individuals benefit from journaling and writing down their dreams. This gives them a chance to reflect back on them and make meaning of them later because we often forget them.
I recommend keeping a journal by the bed, and if you wake up from a dream, quickly write down one word or a symbol. Don’t let this wake you up to the point where you can’t fall back to sleep, and trust that your brain will acknowledge in the morning what that word or symbol was, and the dream will come back to you.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
This may sound a bit too trivial, but sticking to a regular sleep schedule and minimizing distractions like screens before bedtime can improve dream recall.
Once awake, it’s beneficial to remain still and immediately jot down any fragments or details in a dream journal. This practice not only captures the dream but can also help to enhance the memory of future dreams.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Keep a journal be your bed and log the down as soon as you wake up. You can train yourself to recall better with this method.
In your opinion, what is the most fascinating or unusual aspect of the field of dream psychology or dream analysis?
Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert & Life Coach, CEO of Life Architekture
The most intriguing aspect for me is the universality of certain dream themes across all cultures and ages. Despite our diverse backgrounds, many of us have experienced dreams of flying, being chased, or losing teeth.
It’s a clear proof of our shared human experience and the deep-rooted emotions and fears that connect us all. Despite our physical differences on the surface, we are not so different in the end.
Dr. Ryan Sultan, Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University
One of the most intriguing aspects is the universality of certain dream themes across cultures and ages. For instance, dreams of flying, being chased, or appearing in public places without proper attire are almost universal. This commonality hints at shared human experiences or innate psychological processes, reminding us of our shared humanity, even in the realm of dreams.
Marissa Moore, Mental Health Consultant writer at Mentalyc
One of the most fascinating aspects of dream psychology is how dreams can serve as a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds.
Dreams provide a unique glimpse into our inner world, allowing us to explore our thoughts, emotions, fears, and desires in ways that may not be immediately accessible in waking life.
The symbolism, metaphors, and narratives in dreams often challenge us to delve deeper into our own psyche, making the study of dream psychology a captivating journey into the complexities of human consciousness.
Dr. Leslie Dobson, Clinical and Forensic psychologist
The most fascinating area of dream psychology is the symbolism playing out in a cryptic way, and how through therapy and interpretation we can see what symbols fit, what they mean, and help people rewrite the narrative around the memory, the symbol, and the unprocessed negative emotions that come along with it.
In doing so, we have the capacity to keep the memory, but without the negative emotions that are associated with it.
Isabel Faye, a spirituality expert and the founder of Twin Flamesly
The most compelling aspect for me is the uniqueness of each person’s dream experiences. Everyone has distinct life experiences, emotions, and psychological intricacies that come to life in their dreams. It’s like having a personalized emotional diary that offers glimpses into individual psychological landscapes.
Dr. Nancy Irwin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I believe the Positive Psychology theory of dream analysis allows for individual self-analysis and meaning. It is one-stop shopping, and the shop is the Self.
Closing Thoughts!
As we conclude our celebration of World Dream Day, let us carry forward the newfound knowledge and appreciation for the intricate world of dreams.
Through the insights shared by dream experts, psychologists, and psychiatrists, we have journeyed into the depths of the human psyche, gaining a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects of dreams.
