The Unseen Language of Dreams: Why We Dream, and What Do They Mean?

For millennia, people have tried to understand the meaning of dreams, considering them messages from gods, prophetic visions, or secret codes. But what does science say? Why does our brain create such complex images in this state of mind?

The Scientific Approach: The Brain's Work During Sleep

Modern neurobiology views dreams as a crucial part of our brain's activity. We mainly dream during the deepest stage of sleep, called the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage. In this phase, brain activity is as high as when we are awake. It has been scientifically proven that dreams serve several important functions.

1. Emotional Regulation and Mental Cleansing. When we dream, our brain processes information received during the day, especially events that evoke strong emotions. Dreams allow us to relive those emotions in a safe environment, reducing their psychological burden. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that the negative emotional content of dreams (such as fear or sadness) helps to consolidate the memory of emotions without physically reliving them, which prepares our brain for similar situations in real life.
2. Memory Consolidation. Studies show that during the REM sleep phase, the brain organizes and consolidates memories. We see images of our experiences in dreams, which helps the brain to sort this information. This process is vitally important for learning new knowledge and skills. A 2017 study (published in the eLife journal) found that during dreams, our brains "re-enact" memories.
3. Problem Solving and Creativity. Some scientists suggest that dreams can help us solve problems. During sleep, the brain creates connections that couldn't be formed while awake. There are many examples in history where inventors or artists got their discoveries or ideas in a dream. For example, the chemist Dmitri Mendeleev saw the structure of his periodic table in a dream, and Paul McCartney heard the melody for his famous song "Yesterday"in a dream.

Freudian and Jungian Approaches: The Language of Symbolism

Despite the scientific explanations, dreams remain a mystery with their complex symbolism. The founders of psychology gave dreams a profound meaning.

• Sigmund Freud. Freud considered dreams a reflection of our unconscious desires and repressed thoughts. He believed that the content of dreams is hidden behind symbols, and by decoding these symbols, it is possible to understand our internal conflicts. For example, according to him, a key can symbolically represent a secret or a solution.
• Carl Gustav Jung. Jung, unlike Freud, viewed dreams not only as personal but also as a reflection of the collective unconscious. He believed that in our dreams, there are ancient characters (archetypes) that are common to all people, regardless of their culture. For example, the figures of a hero, an old wise man, or a shadow (our dark side).

Dreams are a multi-layered phenomenon. On one hand, they are the result of our brain's biological and psychological work, helping us overcome the day's difficulties, consolidate memory, and develop creativity. On the other hand, they are a language of complex symbols and characters that allow us to connect with our unconscious. Dreams are vivid proof of our mind's incredible abilities, giving us the opportunity to know ourselves more deeply.