Dream Interpretation and Types of Dreams
Dream researchers have discovered several distinct categories of
dreams, and these dream categories can be very useful both to
people attempting to interpret their own dreams and to
professional psychologist and therapists striving to interpret
the dreams of others. This article will discuss these categories
of dreams.
Dream #1 - the Daydream While not technically a dream, since it
takes place while we are awake, researchers are looking into
just where the daydream fits on the spectrum of dreaming, and
what it can teach us about more traditional dreams.
It is estimated that most people spend between 70 and 120
minutes each day engaged in daydreaming. Daydreaming is thought
to be a level of consciousness below that of a normal waking
state but above that of sleep. Daydreaming falls about midway
between these two extremes.
During a daydream, we allow our imaginations to take us away
from the mundane tasks of the day. As the mind is allowed to
wander and conscious awareness is reduced, we can become lost in
the fantasy or imaginary scenario.
Dream #2 - the Lucid Dream Lucid dreams are among the most
fascinating subjects in all of dream research. Lucid dreaming
takes place when the dreamer realizes that he or she is dreaming
while still immersed in the dream. Lucid dreaming occurs in that
moment when you tell yourself - "This is only a dream". The
occurrence of lucid dreams varies widely from person to person,
with some people reporting never having lucid dreams and others
reporting almost 100% lucid dreams.
While most dreamers wake up when they realize that they are in a
dream, other people are able to develop the ability to remain in
the dream and take control of it. These people are able to
become an active participant in their dreams, and to take the
dream narrative where they want it to go. These people
experience some of the most enjoyable and interesting dreams.
Dream #3 - the Nightmare Many people are troubled by
frightening and disturbing dreams, commonly known as nightmares.
Young children in particular often suffer from nightmares
brought on by fears of monsters in their closets and under the
bed, as well as other types of fear.
Of course nightmares are not confined to childhood, and many
adults, particularly those who have suffered real life trauma,
are particularly susceptible to nightmares. Those people
suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as
soldiers returning from war, and rescue workers who have been
through harrowing situations, report a higher incidence of
nightmares than the public at large.
Many people who suffer from frequent nightmares report a history
of real life problems, including psychiatric problems, problems
with drugs or alcohol, or problems with family relationships.
Treatment for frequent nightmares should therefore be aimed at
dealing with the initial trauma or traumas that created the
situation in the first place.
Dream #4 - the Recurring Dream Most people have had a recurring
dream at one point in their life, a dream that repeats itself,
with minor variations or even none at all. Recurring dreams can
be about any subject, and they focus on that subject night after
night.
Some recurring dreams are positive and uplifting, but studies
show the majority of recurring dreams to be negative in nature.
Dreams can recur in this manner because the real life event that
triggered it has remained unresolved. Dealing with the real life
trauma responsible for recurring nightmares is often the best
way to banish the bad dream.
Some dreamers report experiencing narrative dreams, in which the
dream picks up where it left off night after night. These dreams
are somewhat rare, but the people who experience them report
them to be very vivid and memorable. Keeping a dream journal can
be a big help in both remembering and interpreting these kinds
of dreams.
Dream #5 - the Healing Dream Healing dreams are often seen as
sending a message to the dreamer regarding his or her health.
Healing dreams often spur the dreamer to take a long delayed
trip to the dentist or doctor.
Dream #6 - the Prophetic Dream Prophetic dreams are also known
as precognitive dreams, and the people experiencing these dreams
often report the ability to use them to foretell the future.
Independent studies of these types of dreams are rare, and the
jury remains out on whether this ability to see the future
exists.
One non supernatural explanation for the prophetic dream is that
the subconscious mind pieces together bits of information
encountered throughout the day, then puts them together in a
form that makes sense to the dreamer.
Dream #7 - the Epic Dreams Epic dreams are somewhat rare, but
they are unforgettable to those who experience them. Epic dreams
are so vivid, and so compelling that they simply cannot be
ignored. The tiniest details of these dreams are often
remembered for many years. These epic dreams may possess lots of
symbols and meaning for the dreamer.