Computers can ‘see’ people’s dreams

Scientists use an awake brain’s patterns to compare and contrast similar dreaming-related patterns to determine types of dream content.

The science behind strange dreams
Scientists contend that memory, conscious activities are primary contributors to dream content.

5 mind-bending facts about dreams
As scientists become increasingly able to probe deeper into our minds, they are beginning to shine some light on the mysteries of what happens when we sleep.

5 mind-bending facts about dreams
As scientists become increasingly able to probe deeper into our minds, they are beginning to shine some light on the mysteries of what happens when we sleep.

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Where Do Dreams Come From?

Until recent years, the study of dreams has mostly been in the dark. With many of the data being inconclusive as it is such an illusive function of the brain to grasp.

But new studies from unexpected places could shed some light on where our dreams are formed, which would in turn explain for such extraordinary visuals when in the act of dreaming.

As some of my old time followers may already be aware of, I have a deep obsession with dreams. So I went and did some personal researching to find out or get some clues on the leading theories of where our dreams may be forged. The following are two separate excerpts one from a Journal of Neurology and another from a Scientific American article on The Science Behind Dreaming:

Abstract:

The term Charcot–Wilbrand syndrome (CWS) denotes dream loss following focal brain damage. We report the first case of CWS, in whom neuropsychological functions, extension of the underlying lesion, and sleep architecture changes were assessed.

A 73-year-old woman reported a total dream loss after acute, bilateral occipital artery infarction (including the right inferior lingual gyrus), which lasted for over 3 months. In the absence of sleep–wake complaints and (other) neuropsychological deficits, polysomnography (sleep study) demonstrated an essentially normal sleep architecture with preservation of REM sleep. Dreaming was denied also after repeated awakenings from REM sleep.

This observation suggests that CWS (1) can represent a distinct and isolated neuropsychological manifestation of deep occipital lobe damage, and (2) may occur in the absence of detectable REM sleep abnormalities. Ann Neurol 2004

In other words:

A very rare clinical condition known as “Charcot-Wilbrand Syndrome” has been known to cause (among other neurological symptoms) loss of the ability to dream. However, it was not until a few years ago that a patient reported to have lost her ability to dream while having virtually no other permanent neurological symptoms.

The patient suffered a lesion in a part of the brain known as the right inferior lingual gyrus (located in the visual cortex). Thus, we know that dreams are generated in, or transmitted through this particular area of the brain, which is associated with visual processing, emotion and visual memories.

Journal ref: Total dream loss: A distinct neuropsychological dysfunction after bilateral PCA stroke

Biblical visions of angels may have actually been lucid dreams
Fifteen patients in an experiment reported experiencing a lucid dream state and encountering angels during that time.

Do dreams discriminate?
The racial makeup of a person’s dream world mirrors that of their waking world, with television viewing habits making a difference, too.

Are your sheets preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep?
New ‘performance’ sheets, mattresses and sleep aids aim to inspire pleasant dreams.