The video titled What are Dreams? by PBS NOVA was very intriguing to me (here's a link to the video). I find dreams extremely fascinating in general, so to watch a documentary that went into depth about dreams was great! One of my favorite parts was the discussion about the difference between N-REM dreams and REM dreams. According to the video, dreams during N-REM sleep are used to refine memories and learn by taking the past and then trying to relate them to the future. On the other hand, dreams during REM sleep are different because the amygdala is involved. This means our moods are effected negatively when woken during REM dreams. Furthermore, REM dreams are our brain's way of trying to move into the future to gain experience. Also, the topic of nightmares was very engaging as well. I never knew that nightmares had a purpose, but according to the video they do. It was explained that nightmares occur so that we will be prepared for threatening events that can happen while we're awake. Knowing this now, it has totally changed how I interpret the nightmares I've had in the past! Keeping this in mind, I plan to now evaluate my dreams and nightmares differently. Overall, I find the topic of dreams as something I would love to learn more about them as this class continues.
Psychology, Everywhere. "What are Dreams?." Online video clip.
YouTube. YouTube, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 7 Sept. 2015.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who enjoyed the PBS NOVA video and all the information it had to offer about dreams, nightmares and sleep cycles.
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