Dreams remain one of sleep’s most mysterious phenomena. Why do we dream, and why can one night bring a comforting, vivid story while another leaves us shaken by a nightmare? Some dreams can feel remarkably real, linger in our memory long after we wake up and even seem to predict events. But can we actually influence what we dream about or train ourselves to become aware of our dreams?
Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist and head of the department of neurology at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has shared 10 fascinating facts about dreams, breaking down why we dream, what shapes our dreams and why some stay with us long after we wake up. In a thread shared on X (formerly Twitter) on August 14, the neurologist states, “Ever wondered why you remember some dreams but forget most of them? Why are some beautiful, while others are terrifying? And can you actually control your dreams?”
1. Everyone probably dreams.
According to Dr Kumar, people who say they rarely dream are more likely to mean that they rarely remember their dreams, as everyone dreams. He explains, “Dreaming is not restricted to REM sleep. Dreams can occur during both REM and non-REM sleep. So if you say, ‘I never dream’, you probably mean ‘I rarely remember my dreams’.”
2. Why do some people remember dreams better?
{{/usCountry}}According to Dr Kumar, people who say they rarely dream are more likely to mean that they rarely remember their dreams, as everyone dreams. He explains, “Dreaming is not restricted to REM sleep. Dreams can occur during both REM and non-REM sleep. So if you say, ‘I never dream’, you probably mean ‘I rarely remember my dreams’.”
2. Why do some people remember dreams better?
{{/usCountry}}It is natural to forget most dreams, as remembering them requires the brain to actively recall and encode them into memory. Dr Kumar highlights, “Dream memory is fragile. You need to dream, encode the experience into memory and retrieve it after waking. If you wake up abruptly, move on quickly, or don't pay attention to the dream, much of it disappears within minutes. People also differ naturally in dream recall.”
3. Dreams are not only REM phenomena.
The neurologist points out that people can dream during both REM and non-REM stages of sleep. He explains, “REM dreams tend to be more vivid, visual and emotional. But people can report dreams from NREM sleep too, including deep sleep. The old idea that ‘dreaming occurs only in REM sleep’ is too simplistic.”
4. Why are some dreams pleasant and others frightening?
Dreams are often shaped by our memories, emotions and life experiences, which is why they can sometimes feel comforting and pleasant or, conversely, threatening and unsettling. Dr Kumar elaborates, “Dreams often incorporate our memories, emotions, worries and experiences. One influential theory is that dreaming helps the brain process emotional experiences and possibly simulate threatening situations in a safe environment. But this is still a theory, not a settled explanation.”
5. Dreams can feel incredibly real.
While dreaming, the brain carefully constructs a simulation that can feel remarkably real. Dreams that stir us more deeply are often the ones we are most likely to remember. The neurologist explains, “During a vivid dream, the brain can generate a remarkably convincing internal world. You can see, hear, move, feel fear, fall in love, meet someone who died years ago, and believe it is actually happening. That is why some dreams remain emotionally powerful even after waking.”
6. Can you influence what you dream about?
According to the neurologist, the thoughts and emotions you have before falling asleep may influence what you dream about, but you cannot consciously control the content of your dreams. He highlights, “Thinking about a person, problem or topic before sleep can influence dream content. Experimental studies using targeted dream incubation have even demonstrated that cues presented around sleep onset can influence subsequent dream themes. But this is not the same as being able to order your brain: ‘Tonight I will dream exactly what I want’.”
7. Can you train yourself to control dreams?
With practice and specific techniques, it is possible to train yourself to experience lucid dreams. Dr Kumar explains, “Can you train yourself to control dreams? Sometimes. This is called lucid dreaming, realising that you are dreaming while the dream is still happening. Some cognitive training techniques can increase the likelihood of lucid dreams, although it doesn't work reliably for everyone.”
8. Can you train yourself to have pleasant dreams?
While you cannot actively control the content of your dreams, Dr Kumar points out that recurring nightmares may be reduced by adopting healthier sleep and lifestyle habits. He explains, “You may be able to influence dream content, but there is no guaranteed ‘pleasant dream button’. Reducing stress, addressing anxiety and nightmares, maintaining good sleep habits and using techniques such as imagery rehearsal can help some people with recurrent nightmares.”
9. Do dreams have a purpose?
While the exact purpose of dreams remains a mystery, Dr Kumar suggests that they may serve the following possible functions:
- Processing emotions
- Integrating memories
- Simulating threats/social situations
- Making novel associations
- Supporting creativity
However, he points out, “But scientists still cannot say with certainty that dreaming itself is essential for any one of these functions.”
10. Can dreams predict the future?
While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that dreams have supernatural or clairvoyant powers, occasional coincidences can make certain dreams feel remarkably prophetic. Dr Kumar notes, “There is no convincing scientific evidence that dreams provide supernatural access to future events. Sometimes a dream appears to ‘come true’. But our brains constantly generate enormous numbers of dreams, and we are exceptionally good at remembering the occasional coincidence while forgetting the countless dreams that didn't match anything. A striking coincidence can feel extraordinary without being evidence of precognition.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Dr Sudhir Kumar is a neurologist based in Hyderabad, Telangana. He holds an MBBS, an MD in Internal Medicine, and a DM in Neurology, and regularly shares evidence-based insights on neurological health, fitness and disease prevention through his social media platforms.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.