The Power of Dreams: Between Science, Wellness, and Curiosity

Have you ever woken up after a particularly vivid dream and wondered: "What could it mean?" Dreams aren't simply nighttime fantasies: they provide a genuine window into our deepest rest, mental health, and the brain's ability to process daily experiences.

Why do we dream? How the brain uses sleep to process emotions and memories

The REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase is the sleep stage most closely associated with intense, visual dreams. During this phase, the brain isn't resting at all—it's exceptionally active. According to Harvard Medical School, REM sleep helps consolidate memories, manage emotions, and integrate the information acquired throughout the day into long-term memory (Harvard Health Publishing).

If sleep is fragmented—due to stress, poor habits, or lack of comfort—REM phases can be shortened or interrupted, preventing the brain from effectively performing this crucial work.

A surprising curiosity: why we forget 90% of our dreams

It might seem incredible, but we forget about 90% of our dreams within 10 minutes of waking up. This occurs because upon awakening, the brain quickly changes the levels of certain neurotransmitters (like acetylcholine and norepinephrine), making it difficult to store dreams in our conscious memory (Verywell Mind).

Thus, it's not true that "we never dream": most dreams simply remain hidden in unconscious memory.

Sleep quality and dreams: how much does your mattress matter?

Although often underestimated, your mattress is crucial for dream quality. Ergonomic support significantly reduces movements and micro-awakenings, promoting continuous, complete sleep cycles. This continuity enables the brain to experience multiple REM cycles, allowing dreams to emerge more vividly and coherently.

Dreams as a reflection of our emotional state

Interesting studies conducted by psychologist Deirdre Barrett of Harvard Medical School show that dreams are profoundly influenced by emotional and psychological states, especially during challenging periods marked by stress or trauma. Anxiety, fear, or insecurity often appear in dreams, creating a sort of "laboratory" where the brain processes complex emotions (Harvard Gazette – Pandemic dreams).

Dreaming well, therefore, isn't just a secondary benefit but an essential part of emotional and mental wellness. Conversely, fragmented sleep with disrupted REM cycles increases the likelihood of nightmares, agitation, and psychological fragility.

In conclusion: why caring for your sleep matters

Dreams aren't random: they reliably indicate sleep quality and reflect deep brain activity during the night. Investing in a sleep-friendly environment—an ergonomic bed, a room well-insulated from noise, and a comfortable temperature—doesn't just mean sleeping better; it provides your brain with optimal conditions to function effectively during sleep.

Your dreams speak to you throughout the night, even if you don't always remember them. The best way to listen to what they have to say is to ensure your sleep is continuous, regenerative, and supported by a solid foundation.