World Dream Day 2023: How to interpret dreams, deal with nightmares

Every night, as the world drifts into slumber, a surreal world unfolds within our minds. Dreams, those enigmatic nightly performances, have intrigued humanity for centuries. On September 25, the world celebrates World Dream Day, a day dedicated to introspection, encouraging individuals and communities to delve into the depths of their dreams and ponder the significance of these nocturnal adventures.

2 things you need to know

• Dreams mirror our minds, revealing emotions and fears.
• Sleep quality impacts dream recall and emotional well-being.

Dreaming 101: A peek into the unconscious

To unravel the psychology of dreams, we spoke to Psychiatrist Dr Nikunj S Gokani for insights. He shed light on the basics of dreams, stating, "Dreams are mental experiences that occur during sleep. When we dream, our brains are highly active, similar to when we're awake, but our body's major muscles are temporarily paralyzed. Dreams involve a complex interplay of thoughts, images, emotions, and sensations that can seem real while we're asleep."

(What role does dream play in our life | Image: Shutterstock)

Decoding the dreamland

Dr Gokani explained the dichotomy of dreams, saying, "Physiologically, during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is when most dreams occur, our brain activity increases, and our eyes move rapidly beneath closed eyelids. Psychologically, dreams can range from mundane reflections of daily life to vivid, surreal adventures, often influenced by our subconscious thoughts and emotions."

Interpreting the dream

Dream interpretation has long fascinated many. Dr Gokani shared his perspective on this, saying, "Dream interpretation is subjective, but there are some common symbols and themes. To interpret dreams, individuals can start by keeping a dream journal, noting emotions, events, and symbols. Patterns may emerge over time."

Dreams as mirrors of our minds

Our emotions and mental health are intricately linked with our dreams, as the doctor pointed out, saying, "Our emotions and mental health can indeed influence our dreams. Stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotions often manifest in dream content. Analysing dream content can provide insights into our emotional state and help us process feelings we may not be fully aware of when awake."

Sleep and dreams: A symbiotic relationship

Quality of sleep and dream experiences are intertwined. Dr Gokani shared, "Sleep disorders like insomnia can lead to disrupted sleep cycles, reducing the amount of REM sleep and, consequently, dream recall. Improving sleep quality through proper sleep hygiene can enhance dream experiences."

Breaking free from nightmares

For those haunted by recurring nightmares, Dr Gokani offered hope. "Recurring dreams or nightmares may have psychological explanations such as unresolved trauma or anxieties. Treatment approaches like psychotherapy, particularly techniques like dream analysis or exposure therapy, can help individuals manage and understand the underlying issues causing these recurrent dreams," he said.

As World Dream Day dawns, it's a reminder that our dreamscapes are not mere random projections of our subconscious but windows to our inner selves. Exploring the psychology of dreams may just hold the key to unlocking the secrets of our deepest desires and fears.