13 Random Facts About Dreams
Posted By Jack Ross on Mar 4, 2019
We may not be able to make all your dreams come true (our DreamCloud mattress comes close), but at least we can enlighten you about what happens in your head when you go to bed.
13. Watching violent shows before bed can turn your dreams into nightmares
It’s not rocket science: We carry the ideas and impressions of things we watch on Netflix (or network TV) into the sleeping dimension. And, spoiler alert: science backs that up in a serious way: One study found that you’re 13 times more likely to have a nightmare after watching something violent, as opposed to folks who watched nothing, or kept their entertainment light. Yes, that probably means no zombies or white walkers. (Source: Men’s Health)
12. Brain activity during sleep is the same as when you’re awake
Researchers at John Hopkins found that your brain activity is essentially the same when you’re in a deep sleep or wide awake. All the more reason to make sure you give yourself as much shut-eye as possible. (Source: Hopkins Medicine)
11. Spicy food and ice cream might mess with your sleep
The science is a little fuzzy, but certain foods that mess with you internal body temperature might trickle up to your brain and tamper with your dreams. So be cautious next time you chow down on some late-night spicy Thai Curry or a pint of cookies n’ cream. (Source: MSN)
10. Talking about your dreams can help build confidence
Telling someone about a dream you had involving your ex and a rotting wedding cake might feel awkward, but it’s worth it. Scientists have found that when you’re willing to talk about your dreams, it’s likely that you’re also building a muscle to be vulnerable and confident. (Source: Time)
9. Scientists can predict your dreams
Yes, the world does have mind-readers. In fact, scientists in Japan found that they could predict a patient’s dreams with up to 60-percent accuracy. If only mattress companies could do that! (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
8. Men and women dream differently
And women already knew that, of course. Research suggests that men are more likely to dream about aggressive confrontations, while women dream about interactions with people they know. But who dreams about the aggressive confrontations with people they know? We’re guessing both. (Source: Psychology Today)
7. Muscles are paralyzed when you’re dreaming
This one feels scary because your body is essentially stuck in place. Thankfully, all evidence suggests that your muscles reactivate once you’re out of your dream state. (Source: Everyday Health)
6. People dream about many of the same things
It’s a comforting truth: We all have something in common–our dreams. For example, many of us tend to dream about falling, being chased by something scary, or the infamous being naked in public. (Source: Very Well Mind)
5. Women can have sleep orgasms
Your brain keeps a map of your body — and that can lead to some very pleasurable outcomes for women. (Source: Splinter News)
4. You can control your dreams...kind of
Some studies say that focusing on the dreams you want to have can condition you to dream about those things. Try practicing a one-line dream affirmation daily. (Source: Reader’s Digest)
3. We forget up to 99 percent of our dreams
Imagine all thoughts we would hold if we could remember all of our dreams! Some 95 to 99 dreams out of 100 drift into the night. Consider yourself spared. (Source: Sleep.org)
2. You can remember your dreams better if you choose to
It’s possible to improve on a 99-percent dream forgetfulness rate. Whether it’s keeping a dream journal next to your bed or looking out a window when you wake up, you can make your dream recall a little better. (Source: Thought Co.)
1. You can learn new skills in your dreams
Scientists discovered that if they told study subjects what to dream about while they slept— like a new gambling method —those people would be better at gambling when they woke up. Vegas trip, anyone? (Source: Fox News)
