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 ... read more »
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 nightmares that reoccur, and are so terrifying that they prevent you from sleeping or feeling rested throughout the day, this guide can help you find respite. Use these sites to learn more about the significance of nightmares and how you can treat them at home or with professional care.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If nightmares are taking a debilitating toll on your personal or professional life, you may suffer from “Nightmare Disorder,” a condition that may reflect psychological issues that deserve counseling.
- Nightmares and night terrors are two different conditions. Nightmares usually happen earlier in the sleep cycle than night terrors. People tend to remember nightmares, but they usually don’t remember experiencing night terrors.
- Nightmares can often result from stress or bad sleep patterns. Visit the findingDulcinea Sleep Web Guide for help getting better ZZZs.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general overviews …
Psychology Today
describes the symptoms and treatment options for individuals who suffer from nightmares. This site is especially good at describing what you can do to treat a nightmare at home—basic tips are provided along with simple explanations.
The Mayo Clinic
explores nightmares through a series of articles. Learn the causes of nightmares and when to seek medical advice if your condition worsens. There are also articles on screening, complications, treatments, and self-care.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine
explains nightmares and their psychological significance. Visit this site if you are concerned about why you’re having bad dreams or if you’re curious about how to treat them.
For kids who suffer from nightmares …
KidsHealth
explains nightmares in an easy-to-read format with links to other related topics. The site discusses how to prevent and deal with nightmares, as well as what the normal dream process entails.
For information on night terrors …
The American Academy of Family Physicians
has a question-and-answer piece outlining the differences between nightmares and night terrors in children. Learn the causes of night terrors and what parents can do to keep their children safe during sleep.
MedlinePlus
offers straightforward information on night terrors in children and adults, including triggers (the cause is unknown), treatment, and when to contact a doctor.
Discussing Dreams
Part of the fun of dreaming is describing your surreal, nonsensical visions to others. The Web ... read more »
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