Dreams The Average Adult Spends Almost Two Full Hours Every Night

Dreams
The average adult spends almost two full hours every night dreaming. Dreams mainly occur during a period known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. While you are in REM sleep, your brain is very active-almost as active as if you were awake. The fact that we dream most often during REM sleep is one of very few facts about dreams that every scientist agrees on. Scientists do not know exactly which portion of the brain creates dreams or even why we have them in the first place.
One theory about their purpose is that dreaming helps the brain to organize and store memories. As your body relaxes, your brain processes all of the information it received during the day. While you sleep, your brain organizes the information into memories; your mind perceives this process as dreaming. Because your mind works differently when you are asleep than it does when you are awake, your dreams may seem confusing, illogical, or just downright silly.
Another theory is that dreams allow your mind to work out difficult problems that you encounter while you are awake. The unrealistic, free-flowing nature of dreams allows your mind to consider the problems in creative ways that you would likely never think of during your waking hours. Still other scientists believe that dreams are random events with no real function. According to this theory, there is no actual reason for dreaming-it is simply what happens when you go to sleep.
As you can see, there is no scientific consensus about how or why we dream. There are many different theories, but no proven answers. Until then, you might as well just enjoy the fantastic nighttime adventures you get to go on without ever leaving your bed.
Question: How do some scientists explain the puzzling nature of dreams?

A) Dreams occur during the REM stage of sleep.
B) The mind does not work the same when you are sleeping as when awake.
C) Dreams are random events that have no meaning at all.
D) Dreaming can help us organize and forget the traumatic events of the day.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Sign up to view answer