Role of Subconscious and Unconscious States of Mind

For many people, the world of dreams is a distinct world beyond the peripheries of our conscious physical state of existence. It is believed in several parts of the world that dreams are 'seen' by the soul when it roves outside the body in a state of deep-sleep. Yet another set of convictions affirms that dreams are expressions of - esoteric signals, false manifestations of some dead souls or supernatural powers, glimpses of future, etc. Whatever be the myths associated with dreams, the curiosity of mankind to grasp the nature of dreams and peep into the reality of their somewhat 'occult-like' experiences has always been irresistible.

Modern science has also attempted investigating the facts about dreams. Elucidations and analysis in this regard fall under the fields of research in Psychology - especially that of the unconscious mind. Twentieth century developments in this direction have given birth to a new branch of Parapsychology.

Research on the brain functions during sleep categorizes two states - (1) deep sleep and (2) active sleep. The state of active sleep is described as that of Rapid Eye Movement (REM). it has been found that dreams are frequently seen during REM. As the name suggests, the movements of eyeballs - beneath the closed eyelids - is very rapid in this state. Electro Encephalogram (EEG) of brain response in this state indicates some kind of restlessness of mind; perspiration glands are also stimulated during this state.

Scientific studies reveal that everybody dreams every night. Although one may not remember having seen any dream, on an average every normal person would see five to six dreams of varied duration of nature. Most frequently, the first dream (or dreamy reflections of mind) appears during the first hour of sleep. The rapidity of movements of eyeballs changes according to the speed of the activities in the dream, as it happens while the mind is engrossed in watching a movie or a play.