Editing Dream states (section)

= Dream states =
'''Dream states''' refer to the range of conscious experiences that occur during sleep, especially during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when the brain generates vivid internal simulations of reality.

Dreaming is a universal human experience and is studied in neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual traditions.

== Overview ==
During dreams, perception is internally generated rather than driven by external sensory input. The dreamer typically experiences a constructed reality involving images, emotions, narratives, and sensations.

In some cases, the dreamer may become aware they are dreaming, known as [[Lucid Dreaming]].

== Core Characteristics ==

=== Internal Simulation ===
Dreams are created by the brain without direct input from the external environment.

=== Vivid Imagery ===
Dreams often include visual, auditory, and emotional experiences that can feel realistic.

=== Narrative Structure ===
Many dreams contain story-like sequences, though they may be fragmented or illogical.

=== Emotional Intensity ===
Dreams often carry strong emotions such as fear, joy, confusion, or wonder.

=== Altered Identity ===
The sense of self in dreams may shift, fragment, or change entirely.

== Types of Dream States ==

=== REM Dreams ===
Most vivid and narrative-rich dreams occur during REM sleep.

=== Non-REM Dreams ===
Less vivid, more thought-like or abstract dream experiences occurring in deeper sleep stages.

=== Lucid Dreams ===
Dream states in which the dreamer becomes aware they are dreaming and may exert control over the dream.

=== False Awakening ===
A dream in which the dreamer believes they have woken up but is still dreaming.

== Dreaming and Consciousness ==
Dream states are important in the study of consciousness because they demonstrate:

* Fully immersive experiences without external input
* Fluid identity and self-modeling
* Construction of reality from memory and imagination
* Altered logic and perception rules

== Interpretations ==

=== Neuroscientific View ===
Dreams are seen as brain-generated simulations involving memory consolidation, emotional processing, and neural activation during sleep.

=== Psychological View ===
Dreams may reflect subconscious thoughts, emotions, and unresolved psychological processes.

=== Spiritual View ===
In many traditions, dreams are seen as symbolic messages, spiritual experiences, or alternate realms of consciousness.

== Dream States in Traditions ==
Dreaming plays an important role in many systems:

* Indigenous traditions: dream journeys and spirit communication
* Buddhism (Dream Yoga): using dreams for awareness training
* Taoism: dreams as reflections of natural balance and mind states
* Western mysticism: dreams as symbolic or divine messages

== Relation to Other States ==

* [[Lucid Dreaming]]: awareness within dream states
* [[Meditative absorption]]: inward-focused waking state
* [[Ego dissolution]]: loss of identity boundaries (can occur in dreams)
* [[Psychedelic states]]: waking altered perception resembling dream-like imagery

== See Also ==

* [[Consciousness]]
* [[Altered states of consciousness]]
* [[Mystical experiences]]
* [[Ego / Self]]
* [[Non-duality]]