The Neurological Theories Behind Dreams
Even though it is not yet fully understood why humans and animals dream there are still a few accepted theories as to why they are so important to both our physical and mental well-being. Below is a selection of some of the more well- known dream theories:
The Activation Synthesis Dream Theory
The activation synthesis dream possibility was first proposed by Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley in 1976. It was the first dream theory to properly challenge the Freudian view of dreams as unconscious wishes. The activation synthesis suggested that the brain signals that were interpreted as dreams found their origin in the brain stem during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) period of sleep.
Since this dream theory was first proposed, the hypothesis has undergone an extensive evolution. This is because technology and experimental equipment have allowed for the brain to be "tracked" electronically and currently a three-dimensional model called the AIM Model has been used to determine the different states of the brain during both the day and night time. This AIM model has also further introduced a new sleep hypothesis that states that primary consciousness is a very important building block on which almost all secondary consciousness is constructed.
Dreams as Excitations of Long-term Memory Dream Theory
Eugen Tarnow put forward a dream theory based on his findings that suggests that dreams are in reality simply ever-present excitations of long-term memory. This theory also states that these dreams can and do take place continually, even during waking life. This possibility also goes on to say that the electrical excitations of the cortex give rise to experiences similar to dreams.
Dreams for Removing Memory Junk Sleep Theory
This dream theory was first suggested in 1886 but has been revised a number of times since then, the last big revision being made in 1983 by Crick and Mitchison's in which they introduced the "reverse learning" dream theory. This theory states that dreams are similar in function to the cleaning-up operations used on household computers. Dreams literally remove parasitic nodes and other "junk" from the mind during "off-line time" while the body and brain are asleep.
Please Note! There is also an opposite theory to this removal of junk dream theory that states that dreaming has an information handling, memory-consolidating function. This theory was put forward by Hennevin and Leconte in 1971 and says that dreams are simply a result of spontaneous firings of neural patterns when the brain is undergoing memory consolidation during the sleep cycle.
The Activation Synthesis Dream Theory
The activation synthesis dream possibility was first proposed by Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley in 1976. It was the first dream theory to properly challenge the Freudian view of dreams as unconscious wishes. The activation synthesis suggested that the brain signals that were interpreted as dreams found their origin in the brain stem during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) period of sleep.
Since this dream theory was first proposed, the hypothesis has undergone an extensive evolution. This is because technology and experimental equipment have allowed for the brain to be "tracked" electronically and currently a three-dimensional model called the AIM Model has been used to determine the different states of the brain during both the day and night time. This AIM model has also further introduced a new sleep hypothesis that states that primary consciousness is a very important building block on which almost all secondary consciousness is constructed.
Dreams as Excitations of Long-term Memory Dream Theory
Eugen Tarnow put forward a dream theory based on his findings that suggests that dreams are in reality simply ever-present excitations of long-term memory. This theory also states that these dreams can and do take place continually, even during waking life. This possibility also goes on to say that the electrical excitations of the cortex give rise to experiences similar to dreams.
Dreams for Removing Memory Junk Sleep Theory
This dream theory was first suggested in 1886 but has been revised a number of times since then, the last big revision being made in 1983 by Crick and Mitchison's in which they introduced the "reverse learning" dream theory. This theory states that dreams are similar in function to the cleaning-up operations used on household computers. Dreams literally remove parasitic nodes and other "junk" from the mind during "off-line time" while the body and brain are asleep.
Please Note! There is also an opposite theory to this removal of junk dream theory that states that dreaming has an information handling, memory-consolidating function. This theory was put forward by Hennevin and Leconte in 1971 and says that dreams are simply a result of spontaneous firings of neural patterns when the brain is undergoing memory consolidation during the sleep cycle.
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