On average, we dream for two hours every night, namely during the REM phase. Dreaming is a phase in which the brain processes and tries to categorise information and impressions. Of course, this also means that what we experience during the day influences our dreams.

 

 

In particular, activities immediately before going to bed can influence dreams. If you watch a horror film late at night, you are more likely to dream about the monsters in the film. Worries that you worry about at night when you can't fall asleep also have an effect on the dream phase when you finally drift off to a well-earned sleep. 

The things we perceive during the day have an effect on the subconscious and come to light in dreams. The closer the experience is to bedtime, the more likely it is that the subconscious mind will still be dealing with it.

 

This is one of the main reasons why children should not watch scary films before bedtime.

 

 

 

Effective learning through dreaming

 

Dreams help the subconscious to process what has been experienced during the day and thus prepare the memories for tomorrow. This also means that the REM phase helps the brain to consolidate acquired skills. If what was learnt during the day is processed in dreams, the body remembers it better later. If we don't manage to enter the REM phase due to poor or irregular sleep, for example, what we have learnt is not consolidated and we have to work harder the next time to get to the same level.

 

 

 

Better dreaming through sport

 

To help the body transition into the REM phase, it helps to engage in physical activity a few hours before going to bed. The REM phase is necessary to enable dreaming and to allow the brain to sort and repair information. 

Exercise causes endorphins to be released, creating a positive feeling in the conscious and subconscious mind, so if you exercise during the day, you are more likely to sink into the dream phase more quickly and dream positively.

 

 

Activities immediately before going to bed do not always have an obvious effect on dreams. Activities that lead to more restful sleep and thus to dreaming help to release and interpret unconscious feelings and desires. It is therefore often useful to evaluate your dreams and look for certain behavioural or emotional patterns.