Presenting our new series – ‘Tell Me Why…’ where we explain to you, the ‘why’ behind anything and everything that’s been on your mind! So go ahead and ask us a question that starts with ‘Tell Me Why’. We’ll pick the most intriguing questions and feature them along with an illustrated answer on The Learning Tree Blog.
To ask your question, fill-up the form here:
Submit a ‘Tell me Why’ question
Today we are answering a very interesting question asked by class 5 student, Monica from Muzaffarpur. She wants to know,
Why do we dream?
Walt Disney once said ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’. While these might be very inspiring words for some of us, it might just be the worst fear for the rest of us. Afterall any dream has the potential to turn into a nightmare! What if the only thing you want from life is for your dream to never come true!
Good, bad or ugly, whatever your dream may be, why exactly do we have them in the first place? Why are so many of our dreams so bizarre? Why do some of us remember our dreams while others don’t? It’s time we uncover the truth behind dreams!
When we sleep, all of our body sleeps, except our brain. It is still working although not entirely. While sleeping, some parts of our brain such as the ones that regulate feelings and our observations for the day keep working, while others like the ones responsible for logical thinking and reasoning, shut down. That’s the reason why everything is possible in your dreams. You can fly, breathe in space without a spacesuit, run faster than a train, eat up a whole building made of biscuit, and even get attacked by a dinosaur! But what exactly happens in our brains and behind the scenes when we dream. How exactly do we dream in the first place?
Our body goes through what can be termed as a ‘sleep cycle’, which comprises different levels or stages of sleep. The most important and deepest level of sleep is termed as ‘Rapid Eye Movement’ or REM sleep. It is called so because, in this stage of our sleep, our eyeballs move side-to-side rapidly, but nobody can see them because our eyelids are shut. Yes, you read that right! Every night, your eyeballs zig-zag in your eye sockets at great speeds but you will never be able to notice because your eyes are shut! Isn’t it crazy?
Experts believe that REM sleep lasts for about 90 minutes, which makes up about 20-25% of your total sleep. You may have more than one REM cycle in your sleep. According to experts, it is in the REM phase of our sleep that we see dreams, due to increased brain activity, particularly in the visual cortex and other areas of the cortex.
Now that we have some idea of how and when we dream, let’s try to address Monica’s question of why we dream. The short answer is that we simply don’t really know why we dream. But that hasn’t stopped science from trying to find out. While it’s still hard to describe what dreams are, some experts believe that dreams are a way of processing and filing away all the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and events of the day. In a way, dreams are autobiographical thoughts, based on your recent activities, conversation, and other events of your life. Perhaps your brain works out which parts to remember and which to forget. If you have a problem, sometimes dreams can appear to reflect what’s going on – so if you have an upcoming exam and are a bit worried, you might dream about being chased by your books!
Another theory about why we dream is that dreams help facilitate our creative tendencies. Many artists and even some scientists, credit dreams with inspiring some of their most creative work. You may have awakened at times in your life with a great idea for a movie or a song, too. The reason behind such dreams is that without the logic filter your thoughts and ideas have no restrictions, so they work uninhibited creating some much-needed space for creative flow.
Now you may be wondering how many amazing ideas you missed out on just because you can’t remember your dreams! But all of us dream (except in some rare medical conditions). So why is it then that you often can’t remember your dreams?
The reason some of us cannot remember our dreams is a tiny part of the brain called the Hippocampus! It is that region of the brain that is responsible for moving information from short term memory to long-term memory. Researchers discovered that one of the last regions to go to sleep in our body is the hippocampus. Hence it’s also one of the last areas to wake up. So, you could have this window where you wake up with a dream in your short-term memory, but since the hippocampus is not fully awake yet, your brain is not able to keep that memory. And so, it’s just a matter of luck, as to when your hippocampus wakes up when it comes to remembering your dreams!
So now that you know a bit more about dreams and dreaming, we hope you won’t lose any sleep over dreams now!
We’ll be back next month with another one of your ‘Tell Me Why…’ questions, until then have a good time, have sweet dreams!
To ask your own ‘Tell Me Why…’ question, fill the form below:
Charu, a feminist and an accidental writer, is yet to master the art of writing about herself. Always curious to learn new stuff, she ends up spending a lot of time unlearning the incorrect lessons. She enjoys all sorts of stories – real, fictional, new, old, hers and would love hearing yours too. Feel free to ping her at storyweavers@byjus.com to share anything that you think is worth sharing.
Arya C is a 4th grader who talks about her transition from the US to India and how BYJU`S has helped her at that. She also loves how BYJU`S has made learning a lot more fun.
Meet Sourabh who has a ton to say about his BYJU`S learning experience. His love for quizzes, games and other fun activities are paying off!
V Shriya is a class eight student who has been using BYJU’S for a year now. She shares her experiences with using the app and how it has helped her in improving her academic performance.
Aanvi from class 9 has been with BYJU`S for just 6 months and hear what she has to say about her learning experience with the app.
Comments
Zayaan
April 25, 2021
Amazing facts.Thanks Byjus mentors
Saksham Singh
April 22, 2021
Hi i am Saksham from Kotputli . I studied in class 10. I have a very interesting question . Why all the emojis are yellow in colour ?
Vatsal Bargoti
April 15, 2021
I learnt many things about a single mind imagination called dream
Thanks Byjus team ??
Mrunali
April 13, 2021
Excellent explaintion…….!
Thank u so much byjus team
shreya Ratheesh K
April 12, 2021
Why we line?
Ashish Patel
April 8, 2021
Superb explanation dear
Krishna
April 7, 2021
I really appreciate byju’s.
Clear explanation behind dreams ………..
Explained so well
Very nice and interesting article!!! I learnt a new thing from this article …
Tanya
April 4, 2021
GREAT!!!!
SUPERB!!!
VERY WELL EXPLAINED!!
Aviral
March 23, 2021
Why do people have addictions
Hashim
March 23, 2021
Why oceans are blue ?
Aashiyana Ashfaque
March 22, 2021
Thanks for explaining this! I was always really confused about why we dream, and especially why my dreams are so bizzare, until now! Thanks again!
Taha Husain
March 22, 2021
Wonderful Explanation and wonderful question aswell. Love it??
Preet
March 21, 2021
It was so nice and good ☺️☺️
Nalini K
March 20, 2021
I like it
Saijali
March 20, 2021
Excellent explanation.??
THANK YOU
C.Vanshika
March 19, 2021
I don’t know
Harshita Kunwar
March 19, 2021
This is supb and I love BYJU’S but I think BYJU’S need more improvement because BYJU’S because there is not much fun in BYJU’S
J.Meghna
March 19, 2021
superb!! well explained. really nice descripition of the author
Rishabh Singh
March 17, 2021
Amazing !!
Ankush maity
March 16, 2021
Thank
Natasha
March 16, 2021
It’s exaplantion is too fabulous TX, I really love it ,can you please send any drawing work I just like to draw and my drawing aren’t too much good I dream of drawing and my favorite part in drawing is oil pastels drawing
Thanks byjus for all things ?
Laxmi
March 15, 2021
I have understand properli
Laxmi
March 15, 2021
I have understand
Arjun Ravindra Kudukuli
March 15, 2021
Wow! The eyeballs moving during the dream fascinated me the most
V. Sai pranaw
March 15, 2021
yes , I like the topic tell me why,I think the dreams are awesome.
Aakriti Verma
March 14, 2021
I love byju’s . I participated all contest in byjus
Shanmukha
March 14, 2021
Cool l love it so much that was really a great explanation and l like that the statement that’s amazing
Mayuri Das
March 13, 2021
Where is the Universe located ?
Atharth chaudhary
March 13, 2021
???
Sampurna Barik
March 13, 2021
Very well explained…….????
Ankush
March 12, 2021
thanks.
P.S.HAVISH
March 12, 2021
What an unbelievable explanation . I loved it ….???
Sanket
March 12, 2021
I am Byjus student
Faeq
March 12, 2021
Best learning app in India
Anishkar
March 12, 2021
?
Nafisa attarwala
March 12, 2021
Good to know so much about dreams thnx
Antony
March 12, 2021
What are the different types of dinosaurs and why did they go extinct?
Avni Yadav
March 12, 2021
Awesome, glad to know why we dream
Fnaf lover-
March 12, 2021
Yup amazing explaination✨✨✨??
Khushi verma
March 12, 2021
Superb I can’t imagine your explanation is superb . Thanks for this.
PHANIEESHAN DATTA
March 12, 2021
wow superb
very good explanation behind the reason for dream
Rajaram Thombre
March 12, 2021
Good , children can know about their dough.
Pushkar
March 12, 2021
Good ideas to know about questions
Tanvi Arun Eratkar
March 11, 2021
Thanks ?for this superb ??♀️explanation ??
Prachi Manoj Bhosale
March 11, 2021
You don’t show demo how to control the tab
Aruhi s....
March 11, 2021
Yes is a super ☺️ aur mare jo use din ya use samye mind ma chal raha hota hai vohi dream karti hu
Naisha
March 11, 2021
This is amazing article and byju’s is the best
Bhavika
March 11, 2021
Good?
I impressed by the Byjus explain about dream ?
Avni Laghate
March 11, 2021
Amazing! Very true! Lovely explanation..
Avni Laghate
Apoorva pawar
March 11, 2021
Very nice explained ?
Adil
March 11, 2021
Why do we get fear
Aadya singh
March 11, 2021
I am aadya singh I am 10 years old I love to do all activities like ex, I love to do dance , cricket, painting ,Gk
Bhairavi Anand
March 11, 2021
This topic was great I also wondered this .this is great answer.
Bhairavi Anand
March 11, 2021
What is the mass of space ?How big it is ?
Bhairavi Anand
March 11, 2021
How bulb glows when electricity goes into it ?
Devaanshi
March 11, 2021
Can you please tell me how do I study concentrate I cannot concentrate on my studies please ????
Hiyansh kadha
March 11, 2021
Superb and clear explanation behind the reason for dreams
Samrat kesarwani
March 11, 2021
Awesome ? very well explained ? I want more please send it to me?
Deetchitha.B.S
March 11, 2021
amazing and a clear explanation . Got the news what is before our dreams.
Samadrita Sen
March 11, 2021
Very well explained…
M.Yadhunanden
March 11, 2021
Tell me why how to do windmill in paper in small size and take electricity
Hrishikesh Kumar
March 11, 2021
I like it so much
Rudraksh Mishra
March 11, 2021
Why does babies cannot walk when they are small and why do we need to drink water
Prerana Pal
March 11, 2021
I loved the topic and had a lot of fun reading it!!
Chetana?
March 11, 2021
Wow now I can under stand why do we dream
Actually this author and her poem is in school book
And to for exam too???
Chetana?
March 11, 2021
Wow now I can under stand why do we dream
Actually this author and her poem is in school book
And to for exam
Devraj
March 10, 2021
Byju’s is good app most interesting app for learning and I was so interested in byju’s and his conscept are so good
Hiyansh kadha
March 10, 2021
Superb!! and a clear explanation behind the reason for dream.
Vidushi Thakar
March 10, 2021
Wow!!! ????Charu Verma Mam, you are such a great writer !!!!!?? I am really amazed by reading this article !!!!??????Hope that you will be writing such more articles and hope that Byjus would send those articles too ??? Please do fulfill my wish !!!! ??✨✨✨ Loved the article very much ❤️❤️♥️♥️……….. Hope you all have a great time !!! ????
Carol
March 10, 2021
Very good explanation
S.N.S. Vedavyaas
March 10, 2021
It’s wonderful i am amazed with explaination
Anjali T S
March 10, 2021
Hello BYJU’S
I love your study hacks and diy hacks please put some more information on diy article and thank you so much BYJU’S
Arpita walia
March 10, 2021
Very nice explanation ????I Really liked it ….thanks for sharing it with us..???
Ashritha Rajesh
March 10, 2021
Intresting and exiting facts but stillcan add more
Sudhakar yadav
March 10, 2021
Wow awesome can you send more Facts and episode
Sudhakar yadav
March 10, 2021
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!
Sudhakar yadav
March 10, 2021
Tell me why dream
Pooja jain
March 10, 2021
Very beautifully created the story with logics
shivam
March 10, 2021
l have never seen like this
Super ? ? ? ?
Gaurank Undeyria
March 10, 2021
I was very astonished when knowing about how we dream
Anvi Pandey
March 10, 2021
Wow…… Awesome…….. I don’t knew that much about dreams .
Manashri Jadhav
March 10, 2021
Wow it’s amazing and provided a great knowledge to me about dreams . I loved reading it very much. Thank you
Nuhaa Irfan
March 10, 2021
I like the idea of the new site ? ? I think it would make a difference ? ? and I would like to have a happy ? with you guys
M.Varshitha
March 10, 2021
This really help me with one of my English chapter…….the wonder called sleep
Thank you BYJU’S ???????
Khushi verma
March 10, 2021
It is awesome I like it . Your articles is very good explanation of why do we dream awesome, gorgeous , amazing.
Sudip patra
March 10, 2021
Interesting
Divyasree
March 10, 2021
I like it so much and I had never had a question like this and also thanks for this article. I really loved and enjoyed it. These comments will give byjus team an explanation how we all liked it.
Aiden Bennet
March 10, 2021
Wow….Awesome . Can you send more facts.
Mokshi pal
March 10, 2021
Clear all doubts
Asnal
March 10, 2021
Hi
Vishruth
March 10, 2021
I am very very happy to know that why we dream and the byjus has explained it very well. I love these articles??☺️☺️.
Vidhi Vinod Attarde
March 10, 2021
Wow that is so much of research,then tell me why is there gravity?
Tricky question right, let’s see if u can answer it ?
Ujwala Salunke
March 10, 2021
Awesome ??
Byjus can you plz add some more expirements. I love doing them.
Indraja
March 10, 2021
Why our eyes move rapidly when we sleep?
Arsadul islam
March 10, 2021
I have study
Khushi verma
March 10, 2021
Very good explanation . I want more please send some more articles.
Sahir
March 10, 2021
Hiii
Indraja
March 10, 2021
Why does our eyes move rapidly when we sleep?
Dhairya Singh Chandel
March 10, 2021
Nice.
Shambhavi Jha
March 10, 2021
Good I understood everything thank u ???
Aryaa
March 10, 2021
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a bit disappointed when I clicked the link for submitting a question but it said you are not receiving questions anymore so a bit disappointing in that but other than that awesome keep doing it
Luptha .T. Shetty
March 10, 2021
Wow awesome article
Srihari.M
March 10, 2021
Wonderful explanation!!
Ariba
March 10, 2021
Hello i am glad by knowing why we dream ??
Vagisha Swastik
March 10, 2021
Very nice and intersting article!! I learnt a new thing from this???
Waiting for the next tell me why article.
Aastha
March 10, 2021
I really love byjus
Clear explanation behind dreams………..
Explained so well…………
Ayushi
March 10, 2021
Now I know why I remember my dreams at intervals ??
I wish if Mr . Hippocampus did late night jobs at adventurous dreamland ??
Well …….. I rlly appreciate you to solve a mystery…..
Pranjal
March 10, 2021
Explained it very well
Naseeha Abdul hakkeem
March 10, 2021
Explained very well ??
Love it❤️
Can u add some drawings plz
Riya Yadav
March 7, 2021
Explained very well……??
Can byjus please add some more diy articles…I really love them ….
Alokendra Mandal
March 6, 2021
Superb!! and a clear explanation behind the reason for dreams!!