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The Science of Dreams: How Our Sleeping Minds Shape Memory and Emotion

By Desmond Yeoh SC

Scientific studies suggest that dreams play a crucial role in memory consolidation. When we sleep, our brain processes new information, reinforcing learning. Research at Harvard Medical School found that individuals who dreamed about a task they had just learned showed significant improvement in their performance compared to those who didn’t dream about it. This suggests that dreams may act as a rehearsal space for knowledge and skills.

Dreams are also linked to emotional regulation. Neurobiologist Matthew Walker found that REM sleep—where most dreaming occurs—helps reduce the emotional impact of negative experiences. It acts like overnight therapy, allowing people to process difficult emotions in a safer, subconscious state. In people suffering from PTSD, recurring nightmares may be a sign that the brain is struggling with emotional regulation, leading to ongoing distress.

Many great ideas and artistic inspirations have emerged from dreams. Studies show that dreams facilitate associative thinking, helping the brain make unexpected connections. A famous example is Paul McCartney’s song Yesterday, which reportedly came to him in a dream. Other studies on problem-solving suggest that sleep can improve creative thinking, with test subjects solving puzzles more efficiently after dreaming about related concepts.

Not everyone remembers their dreams. Some people recall them almost every night, while others rarely do. Researchers believe this variation is due to differences in brain activity. Studies using MRI scans have shown that people who frequently recall dreams have more activity in the temporoparietal junction, a region associated with processing sensory information. Another study found that high dream recallers tend to wake up more often during the night, which may contribute to retaining dream memories. However, even those who never recall their dreams still experience REM sleep and go through dreaming processes—they just don’t remember them.

Dreams serve essential functions for memory, emotions, and creativity. While much remains unknown, science continues to uncover fascinating insights about why we dream and how it shapes our waking lives. Whether you vividly recall your dreams or rarely remember them, they may still be playing a crucial role in your brain’s nightly activity.