Dreaming is a basic function of the brain and reflects the waking life of the dreamer. This entry covers the changes in dream content across a dreamer’s life span, which are closely related to the changes in waking life. For example, children dream about animals, young adults about friends and romantic partners, and older persons about family members. The question about the possible functions of dreaming is still very challenging for empirical dream research.

Definition

Dreaming is defined as subjective experiences that occur during sleep that are only accessible if the dreamer can recollect them after waking up. Sleep laboratory studies in which the sleeping person is awakened several times during the night indicate that dreaming is very likely present during all sleep stages; sleep onset, normal ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles