We spend a third of our lives sleeping, and during that time, we have countless dreams that range from the mundane to the bizarre. But what do our dreams mean, and why do we have them?
Why do we dream?
One theory is that dreaming helps us process and consolidate memories from the day before. According to a study published in the journal Current Biology, sleep helps the brain "replay" memories and reinforce connections between brain cells, which could explain why we dream about events from our daily lives.
Recurring dreams
Falling
Many people report having dreams where they're falling from a great height. This could be related to feelings of insecurity or uncertainty in waking life.
Being chased
Dreams about being chased by someone or something can be very common, and may represent feelings of anxiety or pressure in waking life.
Flying
Dreams about flying or floating can be exhilarating, and may represent feelings of freedom, empowerment, or escape.
Losing teeth
Dreams about losing teeth or teeth falling out can be disturbing, but they're also quite common. This type of dream may be related to feelings of powerlessness or insecurity.
Being unprepared
Dreams about being unprepared for an exam, presentation, or other important event are also common. These dreams may reflect feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure.
