For centuries, people have been attempting to understand the origin and meaning of dreams. To this day, dreams are one of life’s greatest mysteries. For instance, do recurring dreams have any purpose? Are humans able to predict future outcomes in their sleep?

There are countless explanations for different types of dreams. Oneirology is the scientific study and interpretation of dreams. This field primarily focuses on brain function but clinical dream analysis is one method researchers use to give dreams meaning.

Are you interested to know why you had a certain dream last night on your San Diego mattress?

Why Do Humans Dream?

You can think of dreams as a type of sorting and filing system that our brains conduct with information we learned throughout the day. 

Some studies have come to the conclusion that dreams help us store certain memories more efficiently. 

What is a Typical Dream?

A typical dream you might have on your mattress in San Diego has an ordinary setting with characters that are familiar to the dreamer. Sometimes, a combination of time and place can happen. Researchers have also found that many dreams tend to be negative and focus on anxiety-inducing events. One reason for this is that this type of dream helps the dreamer prepare for unforeseen issues in their life.

The Different Types of Dreams

• Daydream: According to the American Psychological Association (APA) a daydream is a “waking fantasy, or reverie, in which wishes, expectations, and other potentialities are played out in imagination.”

• Epic dream: Vivid, memorable dreams with long-lasting repercussions. You might have a dream where you are doing exhausting work and wake up feeling tired as a result.

• False awakening dream: Typically occurs as the dreamer transitions from REM sleep. You may think that you are going through your normal morning routine (making tea, letting the dog out, etc.) only to realize you were just dreaming.

• Lucid dream: The dreamer is between dream and wake states of consciousness. You may even be able to control the narrative of your dream.

• Nightmare: The APA defines a nightmare as a “frightening or otherwise disturbing dream in which fear, sadness, despair, disgust, or some combination thereof forms the emotional content.”

• Night terror: According to the Mayo Clinic, a night terror involves “episodes of screaming, intense fear and flailing” while the dreamer is still asleep. Sleep terrors are sometimes associated with sleepwalking. Night terrors are more common in children and oftentimes stop in adolescence, although some adults can have them as well.

• Progressive dream: A sequence of dreams that continue over a period of nights.

• Prophetic dream:  Anecdotal interpretations define this dream as seeing events, images, or symbols that predict the future.

• Recurring dream: Involve a repetition of the same type of dream or subject.

• Vivid dream: REM rebound can cause this type of dream containing powerful imagery. A dreamer experiencing high fevers may report having vivid dreams. 

Common Dream Themes 

The following are examples of dreams you may have on your San Diego mattress and their interpretations:

• Argument: there is an unresolved problem or important decision that the dreamer needs to rationalize.
• Being chased: the dreamer is in “fight or flight” mode and is grappling with an issue in real life.
• Cheating: rumination of relationship problems that have to do with communication and trust
• Car crash: the dreamer is feeling out of control or may even be working on processing a traumatic event that happened in their life
• Failing an exam: the dreamer is worried about the way that they are dealing with their responsibilities. 
• Falling: Have you ever had a dream where you are falling off a cliff? This dream signifies a lack of control in life.
• Teeth falling out: signifies feelings of anxiety or inability to communicate properly.