Dreams: To Sleep, Perchance to Surf the Internet
If you've ever wondered why you dream or what your dreams mean, you’re not alone; entire schools of thought have been dedicated to exploring human psychology using the images that travel through our unconscious minds. Theories on the biological purpose of dreams, the interpretation of dream content, and the nightmares so many of us experience are some of the issues explored in this guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is a Dream?
Dreams are literally thoughts, images, or emotions that occur during sleep, but why we dream and what our dreams mean are still subjects of research and debate. The sites in this section introduce the debate by exploring scientific approaches used to understand dreaming.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The most reliable information you find on the Web about dreaming will come in the form of scientific, philosophical, or psychological discourse on theories behind the function and meanings of dreams. Because even the most advanced information is merely reasoned and argued theory, the best you can do is keep yourself updated on contemporary scholarship.
- Understanding what sleep is and how it works is an essential part of understanding dreams and dreaming. A good place to start is at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, where you’ll find a detailed explanation of sleep and how dreaming is affected by it.
- Many sites and articles on the Web are dedicated to an unproven, New Age phenomenon called lucid dreaming. In lucid dreams, the dreamers supposedly attain awareness of their existence in the dream and, in doing so, gain the ability to manipulate the course of the dream (among a host of other seemingly bizarre characteristics). There’s a burgeoning community of lucid dreamers connecting on the Web.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an introduction to dreams …
HowStuffWorks
provides a solid introduction to dreaming. With concise explanations and interesting graphics, the site lays out the basic theories and biological functions behind dreams and dreaming. Visit the “Dream Recall” and “Controlling Dreams” sections for individually based information, though you can also look up what dreams mean and the cause and significance of recurring dreams.
Newsweek
explores the history, background, biology, and scholarship of dreams in this article, “What Dreams Are Made Of.” It recaps mainstream beliefs and studies while explaining the significance given to dreams and dreaming throughout history. There’s a discussion of the biology behind dreaming and an analysis of dreams and aging.
Scientific American
ran this 2005 article entitled “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This.” It discusses historical perspectives on dreaming, Freud’s theories, REM sleep, and contemporary research and scholarship.
The National Sleep Foundation
discusses the significance of dreams while also exploring why we dream. The article is written for a teenage audience and has a list of related articles on sleep for the teen demographic.
For an overview for teens ...
The National Sleep Foundation
discusses the significance of dreams while also exploring why we dream. The article is written for a teenage audience and has a list of related articles on sleep for the teen demographic.
For information on lucid dreaming …
The Lucidity Institute
offers this FAQ section on lucid dreaming that outlines the basics of the process. You’ll learn what a lucid dream entails and how to encourage lucid dreaming while you sleep. Don’t let the somewhat unprofessional design of the site deter you from exploring the interesting information here.
Dream Views
has an introduction to lucid dreaming, tutorials, and a lively lucid dreaming discussion forum, which is the site’s highlight. As you’re reading, stay cognizant of the fact that no one on this site is an expert, and the substance of the discussions taking place is unproven.
Dream Interpretation
Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were two of the most influential dream interpreters. Freud’s ... read more »
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares happen to everyone. However, some are more serious than others. If you suffer from ... read more »
Discussing Dreams
Part of the fun of dreaming is describing your surreal, nonsensical visions to others. The Web ... read more »
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