Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: gabramovich on 30/11/2009 12:30:09

Title: Why do we see images when we dream?
Post by: gabramovich on 30/11/2009 12:30:09

gabramovich asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Greetings from Montreal, Canada.

My 7 year old daughter Naomi would like to know why we see images when we dream and why we can't manipulate the images the way we want while we sleep.
 
Cheers,
 
Gregg Abramovich

What do you think?

Title: Why do we see images when we dream?
Post by: Mr. Scientist on 30/11/2009 17:05:53

Consciousnss is actually not one state, but can be seen as a spectrum of states. Unconsciousness is a lower state of what we call, ''being aware'' - but we are still aware - the ''lucid forms of awareness'' is what i like to call them. You can think of ourselves existing within our own ego, and when reality (that is) true reality observed on a daily basis is not complete, the basis of consciousness still has itself some meaning even when we are alseep.

The many-forms of consciousness may even reside within animals, and explain why they show mild forms of intellect and emotion as well. But, there is the peak of consciousness, and that is when we are awake. I cannot somehow believe that you can be anymore conscious than what you are on this stage. Many forms of conciousness does exist, but think of our awareness (the point of self-reflection) is at its most pinacle, and anything below that is where your dreams may reside - these lower states ''of consciousness'' is nothing but different ''states of awareness''.

Title: Why do we see images when we dream?
Post by: Nizzle on 01/12/2009 07:02:59

It's said that during our sleep, we transcribe memories from the short term memory (things that happened during the day) to the long term memory. This proces may sometimes involve the visual cortex, which leads to seeing images in our sleep.
Some people (like myself) have lucid dreams, which means that, if presented with images in their sleep, they can manipulate these and change the course of the dream.

@ Mr. Scientist: The Buddhists would not agree that the peak of consciousness is when we are awake. I think deep meditation heightens the consciousness and enlightenment would be the peak of consciousness. IF you would ever reach this stage, you become Buddha. 

Title: Why do we see images when we dream?
Post by: ...lets split up... on 01/12/2009 10:55:21

Thus removing yourself from the cycle of reincarnation.