dreaming and consciousness

Dreaming is a mental activity that occurs primarily during sleep, involving vivid images, thoughts, and emotions that feel real while they happen. It reflects the brain’s processing of memories, emotions, and experiences, often integrating subconscious elements. Consciousness refers to our awareness of ourselves and the world around us—our ability to perceive, think, and feel. During wakefulness, consciousness is high; during dreaming, it shifts, with some parts of the brain active and others less so. Both phenomena highlight the complex ways our brain constructs our experience of reality and self-awareness.