Speaking of Psychology
Dreams, nightmares and sleepwalking: What can happen while we sleep, with Antonio Zadra, PhD
Dec 18, 2024
Antonio Zadra, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Montreal and a researcher in sleep medicine, specializing in dreams and nightmares. He discusses why some people remember dreams while others do not and explores the therapeutic value of dreams in understanding emotional conflicts. Zadra delves into treatments for recurring nightmares, particularly for those with PTSD, and examines the fascinating realms of lucid dreaming and sleepwalking. He also touches on the intriguing concept of dream hacking, raising ethical questions about manipulating dreams.
42:48
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Quick takeaways
- The ability to remember dreams varies, with many who claim to not dream recalling vivid dreams when awakened during REM sleep.
- Nightmares affect a significant portion of adults, but effective treatments like imagery rehearsal therapy can significantly improve sleep quality and well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding Dream Recall
Most people dream, but the ability to remember those dreams varies significantly. Research shows that even individuals who claim they do not dream often recall vivid dreams when awakened during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, where most dreaming occurs. About 80% of those who believe they do not dream report recalling details when prompted at the right sleep stages. Additionally, memories of dreams tend to fade rapidly unless consciously retained, such as by journaling or sharing them, suggesting that the act of remembering dreams may not be a natural outcome of the dreaming process.
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