What Are Dreams? Explanations From Science, Cultures, Spirituality, Religion, and Your Own Personal Experience

Bottom Line: Dreams mean different things to different people.

What exactly are dreams? People have been studying dreams for thousands of years, and it’s still not quite clear exactly what they are.

The dictionary defines a dream as a “succession of images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep.”

Cinderella sings, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.”

Psychologists claim that dreams are the “stories the brain tells during sleep–collections of clips, images, feelings, and memories that involuntarily occur during rapid eye movement.”

Famous Neurologist, Sigmund Freud, conceptualized that dreams are “disguised fulfillment of repressed wishes.”

As you can see, there are various views of dreams from many different entities. Below, I share theories of what dreams are based on science, religions, spirituality, and different cultures. Before I share these different viewpoints, I’d like to share a couple of agreements that are universal about dreams.

Since there are so many theories, it makes studying dreams a bit difficult – if there are so many theories, how do we know what the truth is?

Despite all the different dream theories, there are two agreements:

1. Dreams contain images.

2. No theory is 100% proven.

The First Agreement:

Dreams contain images.

One universally accepted aspect of dreaming is that dreams contain images. While theories about the purpose and nature of dreams vary, the presence of vivid imagery is a common thread. Research shows that dreams are most vivid during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep when brain activity resembles that of wakefulness. Neuroimaging studies, such as functional MRI (fMRI) scans, have demonstrated that the visual cortex remains active during REM sleep, suggesting our brains generate and process images even while we are asleep.

The consistency of dream imagery across different cultures and individuals highlights its universality. People worldwide report experiencing similar types of visual dreams, from mundane daily activities to fantastical adventures, which means there is a shared neurological basis for dream imagery. This common aspect means that the brain’s visual processing capabilities play a crucial role in the creation of dream images.

The Second Agreement:

No theory on dreaming is 100% proven.

Dreams are still wildly misunderstood. No one can state with 100% certainty what dreams are, what they mean, or why we have them. Nope, not even Sigmund Freud. They were his theories. This can either make you want to brush dreams off completely, or, it can show you the wonder and possibilities this topic can bring.

You can travel down many rabbit holes regarding dreams – you can explore views from science, psychology, spirituality, Buddhism, poetry, mythology, the list goes on. Many views are opposing – but they all have the same agreement: they’re theories, not fact.

So, what does this mean?

Anything is possible.

Dreams could be our portal to another realm. They could be random firings of neurological impulses. They could be our brain’s way of processing memories. They could be visions from alternate realities. They could be our heart’s strongest desires. They could be…nothing.

Any of these could be the truth.

Dreams are deeply personal

Here’s my dream theory: Since no one knows 100% for sure what dreams are (not even Freud!), it’s up to us to decide for ourselves. You can read hundreds of books, research articles in scientific journals, speak with dream masters, and browse websites for the answer to the question, “What are dreams?” until you are blue in the face. But at the end of the day, even the most researched and credible scientific studies are just hypotheses. That’s what makes dreaming so exciting to study – dreams can be anything your mind decides.

The best way to learn about dreams is through your own experience. So I personally recommend getting a dream journal (the most important journal you will ever have!) and start writing down your nighttime stories.

If you’d like to learn all about dreams and how you can use them to enhance your reality, you can download my free Dream Guidebook & Templates below. 🙂

But let’s dive even deeper into various concepts of dreams, shall we?

Different Cultural Perspectives on Dreams

Understanding how different cultures interpret dreams can provide a broader context for what dreams might be. Here are a few different interpretations to the question: “What are dreams?” from different cultures.

Indigenous Beliefs

Many Indigenous cultures view dreams as a vital connection to the spiritual world. Dreams can be seen as messages from ancestors, guides, or deities, providing insight and guidance. For example, the Native American tradition of dreamcatchers is rooted in the belief that dreams can be influenced and protected. I went to a seminar once and heard an indigenous dream master say that, “Dreams are our ancestors.” Beautiful, isn’t it?

Ancient Egyptian Views

In ancient Egypt, dreams were considered divine messages and were believed to be predictions of the future. The Egyptians recorded their dreams on papyrus and had specialized dream interpreters known as “Masters of the Secret Things” who would decode these messages.

Greek and Roman Interpretations

The ancient Greeks and Romans had an extremely rich tradition of dream interpretation. They believed dreams were communications from the gods and could provide prophetic insights. Temples dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, were used for “incubation,” where people slept in hopes of receiving healing dreams.

Chinese Dream Theory

In Chinese culture, dreams are often seen through the lens of Taoism and Confucianism. Taoism views dreams as a reflection of the universe’s natural order, while Confucianism considers them a means to reflect on moral and ethical issues. Dreams were also used for divination and were thought to offer glimpses into one’s inner self.

African Perspectives

In many African cultures, dreams are regarded as significant spiritual experiences. They are often seen as visits from ancestors or spirits and are used to gain insights into community and personal matters. Dream interpretation is commonly integrated into daily life and community decisions. I wish this was common everywhere in the world, don’t you?

Dream Symbols and Numbers In Vietnam

Since I’m living in Vietnam, I’ve asked some of my Vietnamese friends what dreams mean here. They shared that numbers are really important in dreams – and that every dream symbol has a number. For example, if there was a cow in their dream, the cow would be represented by a number (I wish I could find a source for this, but I’m just taking my friend’s word about this!). My friend said that the list of symbols and numbers is something that’s been around as long as he can remember. They would take this number and then usually gamble with it, since it is considered lucky for them that day. Go figure!

Scientific Theories of Dreams

Modern science offers several theories on what dreams might be, but again, none are conclusively proven.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

The most common theory about dreams was proposed by J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley, this theory suggests that dreams result from the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity during sleep. According to this view, dreams are essentially the brain’s way of interpreting and integrating this activity into a coherent narrative.

Cognitive Theory

Cognitive theorists, like Calvin Hall, suggest that dreams are simply thoughts occurring during sleep. This perspective views dreams as a continuation of our waking cognitive processes, dealing with concerns, thoughts, and experiences from daily life.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory states that dreams are expressions of our unconscious desires and conflicts. Freud believed that dreams reveal hidden truths about our psyche, particularly repressed desires and unresolved conflicts from childhood.

Neurobiological Theory

Some researchers propose that dreams are a byproduct of memory consolidation processes. During sleep, particularly REM sleep, the brain organizes and stores information from the day, and dreams may be a manifestation of this process.

Spiritual & Religious Perspectives on Dreams

On the other side of science, we have the spiritual and religious beliefs about dreams. Dreams have profound significance in many spiritual traditions, often viewed as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, dreams are considered part of the complex connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. They can provide insights into one’s dharma (duty) and karma (actions). Dreams in Hindu tradition often reflect the dreamer’s spiritual state and can be a process of divine communication.

Buddhism

Buddhism views dreams as a reflection of the mind’s state and a tool for understanding the nature of reality. The Tibetan Buddhist practice of dream yoga involves becoming aware during dreams to cultivate mindfulness and insight. Dreams are seen as opportunities for spiritual growth and self-awareness.

Christianity

In Christianity, dreams have historically been seen as messages from God or angels. The Bible contains numerous instances where dreams are used to convey divine will, provide warnings, or offer guidance. Christian mystics often interpret dreams as a way to receive spiritual insights and connect with the divine.

Islam

In Islam, dreams are considered a significant way through which Allah communicates with individuals. The Prophet Muhammad received many of his revelations through dreams. Islamic tradition categorizes dreams into three types: true dreams (from Allah), false dreams (from Satan), and reflections of one’s thoughts and desires.

How you can discover what dreams are to you

Now that you’ve learned a variety of theories providing insights into what dreams are, it’s time to discover what they are to you. Understanding your dreams is a deeply personal and enlightening journey, so here are some powerful steps to help you explore their personal significance:

1. Keep a Dream Journal

Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Recording details like emotions, symbols, and events can help you identify patterns and recurring themes over time.

2. Reflect on Personal Symbolism

Consider what specific symbols mean to you personally, beyond common interpretations. Personal experiences and emotions often shape unique meanings for dream elements.

3. Explore Emotional Connections

Pay attention to the emotions in your dreams and how they relate to your waking life. Dreams often reflect unresolved feelings or ongoing concerns.

4. Discuss with Others

Share your dreams with friends, family, or a therapist. They might offer new perspectives or insights that you hadn’t considered.

As a Dream Therapist, I’d be happy to help you interpret and understand your dreams more. You can book a 1:1 session here.

5. Pay Attention to Recurring Dreams

Recurring dreams can highlight significant issues or themes in your life. Analyzing these can reveal underlying concerns or desires.

6. Reflect on Life Changes

Connect your dreams to recent life events or changes. Stress and significant experiences often influence dream content.

By keeping a dream journal, reflecting on symbolism, exploring emotional connections, discussing with others, paying attention to recurring dreams, and considering life changes, you can begin to uncover the personal significance of your dreams and gain valuable insights into your subconscious mind.

Dream Guidebook Free Download

As mentioned above, the Dream Guidebook I created contains so much more information about lucid dreaming, nightmares, how to integrate dream interpretation into your waking life and more. I also include multiple templates that will help you easily remember and interpret your dreams. You can receive your instant download here:

In Conclusion

Even though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of dream theories, can we all agree that dreams are a fascinating and multifaceted phenomenon that deserve to be explored by everyone?! From the scientific perspectives that study the brain’s activity during sleep, to the deeply-rooted cultural and spiritual interpretations, dreams offer a unique window into our subconscious minds. By exploring different theories, keeping a dream journal, and reflecting on personal symbolism and emotions, you can begin to uncover what dreams mean to you personally. This journey of discovery not only enhances self-awareness but also provides deeper insights into your inner world. Once you connect with your dreams – you can start living your dream life!

Sweet dreams!