18%. Thus, the dreaming that occurs during REM sleep is thought to be an impor-
tant source of internal stimulation necessary for proper maturation of the brain,
much as physical exercise is important in the development of muscles. This theory,
however, doesn’t explain why dreaming continues after the brain has fully devel-
oped.
Deprivation of REM sleep does not lead to psychosis,
bizarre behavior, or anxiety, as was once feared.
The interference with REM sleep may come from
alcohol, sedatives, caffeine, drugs, anxiety, or
depression. The most important effect of REM depri-
vation is a dramatic shift in subsequent sleep pat-
terns. Reduction of REM sleep for several nights is
followed by earlier onset and longer and more fre-
quent periods of REM sleep. The longer the depriva-
tion of REM sleep, the larger and longer the REM
rebound. This compensatory mechanism suggests
that REM sleep is physiologically necessary.
Why Do We Dream?
Dreaming is a process of making broad connections. Dreams connect with recent
experiences, old memories, and imagination. Dreaming makes connections not
made during the waking state. The waking state tends to be guided by a specific task
or goal, whereas dreaming tends to wander and form unique combinations. For
example, people awake and thinking of a house may recall a specific house where
they lived in the past. People dreaming and thinking of a house may see a generic
house or a combination of several houses or even a hotel. During dreaming, consoli-
dation of thoughts and memories occurs, and the bizarre twists and images of
dreams often represent the processing and reclassifying of old information. Dream
symbols bring together ordinary awareness and deeper levels of knowing. Since
images mean different things to different people, it’s the dreamer’s dominant emo-
tion that guides the dreaming process when choosing images in the memory related
to that emotional concern. Dreams can be viewed as explanatory metaphors for the
emotional state of the dreamer. “I leave my children in a house somewhere, and
then I can’t find them” may be a metaphorical description for the emotional state of
guilt. If no single dominant emotion is present at the time, dreams may seem con-
fused and almost random.
Jung believed that dreams are a remarkable way to reveal insights and solutions to
deal with everyday problems encountered while awake. By and large, the language
CHAPTER 18 DREAMWORK 231
note
People with major
depression dream consid-
erably less than average
and have limited dream
recall. A sign that the
depression is lift-
ing is an increase in
REM sleep and the reporting of
more dreams.
