How Long Do Dreams Last?

Did you know? According to the writings from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt thousands of years ago, post-dream behaviour was influenced by dreams that occurred. However, it was reduced in the later millennia. 

Dreams have always been incredibly fascinating. We often ponder what a specific dream could mean and sometimes wish to experience the same dream again. But have you ever wondered how long dreams last? Can you have vivid dreams throughout your sleep cycle? Well, we bring you all the riveting information right ahead. 

What is a Dream?

Dreams are nothing but a sequence of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations we experience during certain stages of our sleep. It is like a movie that plays in our minds while sleeping. A dream’s functionality and contents have been a topic of scientific and philosophical discussion for ages. And they also play a significant role in psychotherapy. Now, coming to why we dream. Unfortunately, there is still no clear answer because scientists don’t know for sure.

How Long Do Dreams Last

On average, dreams may last anywhere from a few seconds to around 20 minutes. But we dream during the REM sleep stage. REM lasts a few minutes as you first fall asleep, and later in the night, it can last for 30 minutes or more. And that’s how long do your dreams last.

How Many Dreams Do We Have a Night

The average person dreams three to six times every night. Calculating the number of dreams you have in a single night is almost impossible to determine. It is also because even if you experience plenty of dreams when you wake up, there are chances that you have any memory of them. However, as per older research, a connection between REM sleep and the time spent dreaming was discovered. 

Does Everyone Dream?

A 2012 study with more than 28,000 people found that men tend to forget dreams faster than women. And in another study, it was found that sleepers who didn’t recall their dreams showed dreamlike behaviour and speeches in real time. In fact, as we grow older, the ability to remember our dreams go down. But rest assured, even if you don’t remember any of your dreams, you likely dream every night.

And if you are someone who is practising lucid dreaming and are wondering how long do lucid dreams last? Well, it lasts for about 10 minutes during each REM stage.

Why Is It Hard to Remember Dreams?

Dreams tend to take place when the brain is amidst the process of sorting long and short-term memory. And we don’t remember dreams because we cannot access that particular memory. In a 2016 study, researchers say that people forget their dreams because of the fluctuating levels of acetylcholine and norepinephrine during sleep. And in another study, researchers tried to establish the brain’s structure and how it can impact dream recall.

How Can I Remember My Dreams?

Some of the steps that can help you remember your dreams include;

• Have a consistent sleep schedule as per your chronotype. It is the body’s inclination to sleep at a particular time. 
• You can always meditate or opt for deep breathing before falling asleep, which helps you relax. 
• You can drink a big glass of water before you go to bed. This will cause you to wake up after your REM sleep to urinate, as that’s when you remember dreams. 
• Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up, as this will help you remember your dreams.

Conclusion

Remember that dreams are different for everyone. While you may not remember them daily, it doesn’t mean you don’t dream. You dream during the REM cycle.

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