5 Dream Facts That Will Impress Your Friends

Some people have vivid dreams, some only remember parts of their dreams. Some don’t dream at all. Why are dream experiences so different?

Here are 5 fun facts about dreams that are sure to impress your friends.

• 1. Dreaming 2 Night

Most adults dream 2 hours per night. It may feel longer when you’re slow running from zombies in a nightmare. Don’t worry though, dreaming lasts about 10 minutes.

You won’t remember most of your dreams unless it is disrupted during the rapid eye motion (REM) cycle.

The REM sleep stage begins 90 minutes after falling asleep. This is when dreaming happens. Dreams get longer as the night progresses.

So, what’s happening to the other 80% of your night?

There are multiple non-REM and REM cycles in a night. The rest of your 5-6 hours of sleep is filled with non-REM sleep where you are not dreaming.

2. Brain Waves ABCs

Did you know that we have four types of electrical brain waves? Beta, alpha, theta, and delta. Our brain wave speeds vary in amplitude and frequency.

Dreaming and recall usually happens in theta. Theta brainwaves are high amplitude and slow frequency and range between 5 to 8 cycles per second.

You know those great ideas you get when you’re zoning out? Yep, that’s delta mode. Turns out, staring at nothing can help your thoughts flow and put you in a positive mental state.

Beta waves are the fastest brainwave. The frequency ranges from 15 to 40 cycles a second. You know when you’re in beta mode when arguing about the extra caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and four pumps of vanilla your significant other FORGOT to add to the Frappuccino. 

Alpha brainwaves are slower, the frequency ranging from 9 to 14 cycles per second. You’re in alpha when you’ve signed off the Zoom meeting and back to binge-watching your favorite show.

Delta is the greatest amplitude and slowest frequency. Delta ranges from 1.5 to 4 cycles per second. You’re in delta during non-REM and deep dreamless sleep.

3. Dream Recall

Want to remember more of your dreams? You can. Just set your alarm and wake up in a REM-cycle. You’re most likely to remember your dream or nightmare if you woke up during them. 

What about that friend that swears they never dream?

It’s likely they can’t recall their dreams or have poor sleep quality. The people who do not dream have brain damage and a rare condition called Charcot-Wilbrand Syndrome. This permanent condition is a result of lesions in the brain. There is an inability to process emotions and visual memories. 

4. Mammals and Birds Dream

While we are snoozing, our pets are dreaming with us. Well, if your pet is a mammal or bird that is.  Reptiles and many other animals don’t dream.

5. In Your Dreams, 7 days Later

If you dreamt about some event or thing, your brain has encoded that memory. It takes about 7 days to turn an experience into a long-term memory. That memory is sent to a different part of the brain for permanent storage.

I hope you enjoyed reading about dreams. Rest well!

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