The importance of dreaming while sleeping
Scientists have studied dreaming for decades in an attempt to fully understand the dream state. What they do know is that dreams don’t just exist to entertain you while you rest — they serve a greater purpose. Understanding the function and importance of dreaming may help you make better sense of your dreams. It might also provide the motivation you need to get more shut-eye. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of dreaming: When do you dream while sleeping? When you sleep, you cycle through four sleep stages multiple times a night. Dreaming can happen during any of those stages. But most dreaming takes place during the period known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is the final part of the sleep cycle. With each new cycle, your REM sleep increases. That means most of your dreaming happens during the second half of your time in bed. Dreams are also most intense and emotional during REM sleep — those are the dreams you’ll remember. People who wake during the REM st...
