Meaning of a Dream

This section on sleep research is dedicated to helping you understand more about the nature of sleep and dreams. You'll learn about the human body's natural sleep rhythms, our physiological need for sleep, and how dream interpretation can shine a light on the mysterious unconscious mind.


If you plan to become a dedicated lucid dreamer, a sound knowledge of sleep and dreams is essential. The information here will fast-track your progress when it comes to troubleshooting key issues (like identifying the best time of night to lucid dream, or using dream symbols to become lucid more often).

A brief history of sleep and dreaming: from Aristotle to Sigmund Freud. Includes the effects of sleep deprivation and the history of lucid dreaming.
A look at the five stages of sleep and how they relate to lucid dreaming. Including the best time to lucid dream and how to make your dreams last longer.
Why do we sleep? A guide to REM sleep cycles, the human brain, and key theories of sleep - vital background information for lucid dreaming.
Why do we dream? Learn about Freud's dream analysis with the Id, Ego and Super Ego, plus modern theories of dreaming and dream research.
Real dream interpretation explores subconscious dream symbols identified by Freud's free association. Start understanding your own dream symbols today.
Explore the meaning behind dreams with scientific dream analysis. Improve your dream recall and perform your own dream interpretation by translating the dream meaning.
A fascinating list of 30 common dream symbols and their meanings. Unravel the subconscious symbolism of your dreams and find clarity in waking life.
Dreams during pregnancy can be highly emotional and meaningful - from fears about your changing body, to giving birth, to predicting the sex of the baby.
Observe and interact with your hypnagogic imagery and other forms of hypnagogia - from sounds to physical sensations and subconscious insights.

Characteristics of Dreams
The five common characteristics of dreams, as defined by dream researcher J Allan Hobson. Plus, Hobson's biological theory of dreams and their real meanings.
If so, what do they dream about? Dr Charles P Pollack of the Sleep Center for Medicine tells us what science knows of newborn baby dreams.
How jet lag and sleep deprivation may actually improve your ability to have lucid dreams - and how to exploit these principles without actually losing very much sleep.
How to get a good night's sleep and improve your chances for lucid dreaming. Includes choosing the right mattress and the best sleep posture for lucidity.
What do blind people dream about? A look at the latest studies into the dreams of blind people, colorblind people, and black-and-white dreamers.
With so many choices, it's a challenge to know what to look for in the best mattress. Here are some tips to help you identify the ideal mattress for you.
Consciousness and Hypnagogia: a guest article by Sirley Marques Bonham, PhD. Includes parts I, II, III, IV, V, IV.

Science of Sleep Infographic
Sleep was long considered just a block of time when your brain and body shut down. Thanks to sleep research studies done over the past several decades, we now know much more...