Dreams are still much of a mystery to scientists, but we know more now than ever before. We do know that dreams reveal crucial points of view about our brains. Your sleep quality also has to do with what you are dreaming about. Here are some insights about dreams and how different aspects of your dreams impact dreaming.
About Dreams
Dreaming can happen during any of your sleep cycles. The most vivid dreams occur when you are going through the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase. REM is where you have the most endless, and creative dreams. It is the most important part of your sleep cycle and is the deepest form of sleep.
People who claim to never dream are usually those who move in their sleep. If your mattress is uncomfortable or in a bad position, the consequences can be greater than back pain. The two main reasons you are experiencing restless sleep and lacking REM sleep are an uncomfortable mattress and the position you sleep in.
Your dreams are controlled by your subconscious. Your dreams are how your subconscious communicates with your conscious mind. It is also responsible for your normal body functions such as breathing, organ functions, cells, and more. It is working 24 hours a day.
What Information Do They Provide?
Health
Your subconscious knows more about your body’s inner functions than you do. Some indications about your health being out of control shown in a dream could be something giving you difficulties. This could be an object not turning on or not working.
If you are having bad nightmares messing with your sleep schedule, you may have a health problem. It could mean a mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Predicting Future Events
Sometimes your dreams serve to tell you the future. For example, you could dream about buying a new house and your mind could help you make decisions to reach this dream.
Sometimes you experience events that you remember happening in a dream. You are usually only remembering one element of the dream. Do dreams tell your future? Or just help you make decisions? That is all up to you.
Information About Your Mindset
Dreams can occur in usual settings. It could be a usual place you go to, but everything looks different and there is a strange animal in the room. If you dream about work, your brain is constantly thinking about work. Same with school or any activity that you enjoy. If you dream that you are at a restaurant, you might be hungry upon waking up. Dreams let us know what is the most important thing on our minds at that moment.
Vivid Dreams And Stress
If your dreams are more realistic than usual, this might mean that you are stressed out. When you are stressed, the brain’s levels of adrenaline are increased as well as other neurotransmitters. These are also active during your sleep. Stress has a negative impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Your dreams during high-stress times will correlate to whatever is the cause.
How Mattress Quality Affects Dreams
Being uncomfortable in your sleep can have a crucial influence on how you fall asleep and when you reach your REM cycle. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can cause you to lose REM sleep, which will affect your overall health.
Here are some factors that you should consider when buying a mattress to get the most REM sleep:
Temperature
Do you ever feel cold when you first wake up? When you are going to sleep, your body naturally cools down and slows down your body’s functions. When you wake up, your body is at optimal sleep temperature. This temperature is lower than your usual body temperature when you are up and running.
To fall asleep faster, you want a mattress to keep you cool without feeling too cold. If your mattress retains more heat than others, you will feel hot and sweat more in your sleep, causing a buildup of dead skin on your mattress, sheets, and blankets.
Old Mattress
Older mattresses may be worn or ripped in spots. This can cause skin irritation or itchiness, preventing relaxation. Also, a mattress that is not evenly laid out can cause pressure on your body or force you to lay in an uncomfortable position. Waking up every day in pain is a sign it is time for a new mattress.
Sleep Positions And Dreams
Many scientists believe the position you sleep in has an impact on your dreams. Sleeping in an unusual or new position will alter your dreams.
On Your Side
Sleeping on your side is the most usual position. Studies have discovered that those who sleep on their right side have more positive dreams and fewer nightmares than those who sleep on their left.
For people who have heartburn or stomach problems, it is recommended to sleep on the left side because it could affect dream content. It keeps the stomach below the esophagus and helps gravity with reflux. Sleeping on your right side with these issues may cause dreams with feelings of burning.
On Your Back
Sleeping supine, or on your back, may lead to lower back pain, and it could cause other problems that may alter your dreams. The face-up position may lead to snoring, encourage sleep apnea, and interfere with restful sleep.
“Studies have shown that people who sleep on their backs experience more nightmares and find it harder to remember their dreams,” says Yu. “Breathing-related sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have been found to have significant impacts on the intensity of dreaming.”
On Your Stomach
You should avoid sleeping face down with your face in the pillow. People who sleep on their stomach have increased restlessness caused by turning to get comfortable. Sleeping on your stomach can cause strain on your lower back and neck.
Multiple Positions
Most people move in their sleep, changing positions throughout the night. The sleep position you awaken in is the one that influenced your dreams. REM sleep occurs about 4 times a night, and right before you wake up in the morning. This means your final position is where REM has likely occurred.
How We Can Help
At Wholesale Mattress Center in Auburn, AL, we are committed to helping you find the best mattress for your lifestyle. Getting the right mattress will help you sleep better, and dream better. Contact us to learn more about our stock and how we can help you.
