Dreams and the sleep process have been a source of fascination for centuries. The content of dreams can range from the mundane to the bizarre. Sometimes they make sense to us; other times they lack meaning and structure. Dreaming occurs during REM sleep, a time at which our brain waves closely resemble those when we are awake and alert, yet we are deeply asleep. Individuals deprived of REM sleep can show cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits over time.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have found more support for the importance of REM sleep and dreams. Evidence suggests that our brains suppress stress chemicals and process emotional information during sleep, allowing healing from painful memories to take place.
During REM Sleep Stress Chemicals Shut Down And The Brain Processes Emotional Experiences
