What are dreams?

Dreams are experiences that take place while we sleep. They come as images, sensations, fragments of memory, and strong emotions. Sometimes they are vivid and colourful. Other times they feel muted or strange, yet still leave a lasting impression when we wake. Dreams are not random nonsense. Dreams reflect how the mind is working beneath the surface. They can reveal patterns, highlight concerns, and bring forward emotions that have not fully settled during the day. Many dreams follow familiar themes, such as being late, falling, searching for something, or meeting people from the past. Others feel unusual but still carry emotional weight.

What we dream is often shaped by daily life. Recent experiences, ongoing stress, personal history, and unresolved feelings all influence what appears at night. Research suggests dreaming plays a role in processing memory and emotion. It may also help the mind rehearse situations, sort through conflict, or adjust to change. Dreams are not predictions and they are not messages from outside forces. They are reflections of an active, thoughtful brain continuing its work while the body rests.