Neurobiology of Dreams

The neurobiology of dreams involves brain activity during sleep, primarily in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. During this time, regions like the visual cortex, limbic system (emotional centers), and associative areas become highly active, creating vivid and emotional experiences. Meanwhile, parts responsible for logic and reasoning remain less active, allowing dreams to be imaginative and often surreal. Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine are elevated, facilitating this activity, while others like norepinephrine decrease, reducing external awareness. This complex interplay results in the immersive, emotional, and sometimes bizarre nature of dreams, linking brain processes to our subjective dreaming experiences.