Why do we dream?

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and curious minds, Today, we delve into a profound and enigmatic topic that has puzzled humans for millennia: the phenomenon of dreaming. As we close our eyes each night and surrender to the embrace of slumber, our minds embark on mysterious journeys, traveling through surreal landscapes where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Yet, as we awaken, we often find ourselves grappling with the lingering question: why do we dream? To explore this inquiry, we must first acknowledge the rich tapestry of cultural interpretations that surround dreams. Throughout history, dreams have been seen as omens, prophecies, messages from the divine, or windows into our psyche. From the ancient Egyptians who believed dreams were a means to communicate with gods, to the philosophers of ancient Greece who viewed them as pathways to understanding the human soul, the significance of dreaming has varied across cultures and eras. Fast forward to the 19th century, when Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, offered a new lens through which to view dreams. In his seminal work, "The Interpretation of Dreams," Freud posited that dreams are the royal road to the unconscious. He argued that dreams are not mere random images, but rather complex manifestations of our innermost desires, fears, and unresolved conflicts. According to Freud, every dream has meaning, and by unraveling these meanings, we gain access to the hidden corners of our psyche. Yet, as we journey into the 21st century, we find ourselves armed with scientific advancements that allow us to probe the nature of dreams with greater rigor. Neuroscientists have taken up the torch, studying the brain's activities during sleep. Using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers have uncovered fascinating patterns that suggest dreams may serve various critical functions. One prominent theory is that dreaming plays a vital role in memory consolidation. During the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs, our brains are busy processing and organizing the information we have accumulated throughout the day. Studies have shown that sleep, particularly REM sleep, enhances our ability to learn and remember. As our brains engage in this nightly chore, dreams may emerge as a byproduct—complex narratives woven from the threads of our daily experiences, emotions, and worries. Another compelling perspective on why we dream relates to emotional regulation. In a world replete with stress and anxiety, dreaming may act as a psychological balm, allowing us to confront and process our feelings in a safe space. Research indicates that the dreaming brain is remarkably flexible, enabling us to simulate scenarios and rehearse emotional responses without real-life consequences. In this way, dreams may help us navigate the challenges we face, offering clarity and insight when we wake. Furthermore, dreaming might serve as a cognitive rehearsal for problem-solving. There are numerous accounts of people who have made significant breakthroughs or solved intricate problems after dreaming about them. The creative potential of dreams cannot be overlooked. Artists, scientists, and inventors have often credited their dreams with providing inspiration for some of their most famous works. Think of Salvador Dalí’s surreal landscapes or the scientific discoveries of Dmitri Mendeleev, who famously dreamt of the periodic table. These instances suggest that dreams could facilitate creative thinking and unconventional solutions. But the significance of dreams goes beyond individual benefits. They reflect our collective human experience. In times of change, uncertainty, or crisis, dreams may serve as a barometer for societal anxieties. The global pandemic of recent years, for example, witnessed a remarkable increase in nightmares and vivid dreams—reflecting the tumultuous emotional landscape we all navigated. In this sense, dreams can act as a mirror to our lives, capturing the zeitgeist—the spirit of the age. As we ponder the reasons behind our dreams, it is essential to recognize that they are not merely a byproduct of sleep or a distraction from reality. They are an intrinsic aspect of our humanity—interwoven with our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Dreams remind us of the complexity of our minds and the depths of our subconscious. In the words of poet and philosopher Khalil Gibran, "Dreams are the touchstones of our character." They challenge us to explore our inner selves, confront our fears, and envision our desires. They invite us to embrace our creativity and inspire us to forge connections with others, even when we are worlds apart. As we gather here today, let us celebrate the beauty of dreaming and the myriad functions it serves in our lives. Let us encourage one another to explore our dreams, to record them, share them, and learn from them. In doing so, we open windows to understanding ourselves more profoundly, navigate our journeys with greater clarity, and, perhaps, find ways to realize our wildest aspirations. Thank you.