There was a time when medical professionals regarded dream analysis with the same disdain as witchcraft or astrology. But an increasing number of medical researchers now believe there’s a strong connection between dreams and bodily functions.
Now, they believe dreams may provide insight into health and may help detect some conditions years before overt physical symptoms manifest.
There is no consensus among scientists and medical researchers as to why we dream. Many people only recall dreams for a short period of time, if at all, and most dreams are forgotten once the sleeper goes back to sleep or wakes in the morning.
Dreams do not occur during all periods of sleep. They are believed to initiate when the sleeper enters rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, which is a light form of sleep.
Bad Dreams? Check Your Meds
If you are having more dreams than usual – or having more nightmares or very vivid dreams – it might be a sign of the state of your health.
Beta-blocker blood pressure pills are known for initiating nightmares in patients who take them. The pills widen blood vessels but also may alter brain chemicals in slight ways, producing nightmares.