News / Dreams

Science has made great progress in deepening our understanding of dreaming. Still, there is no answer to the question: Why do we dream? There is not likely ever to be a simple answer, or...

Dreaming is a universal, enduring aspect of being human (though not limited to humans, since animals dream as well). Biological, cognitive, psychological - it’s very likely that dreaming may serve important functions in each of these realms. Dreaming is something we do daily from the time we are very young to very old. Are dreams more than a nightly de-cluttering of the mind? Are there ways that dreams might help us live better?

There is a long-held view of dreams as a creative portal, and scientific study may be giving that belief some credence. Evidence suggests that dreams may assist in daytime function and performance, especially as they relate to creativity and problem solving. More broadly, dreams provide us with insight about what’s preoccupying us, troubling us, engaging our thoughts and emotions. Often healing, often mysterious, always fascinating, dreams can both shape us and show us who we are.

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