Why bleak, frightening dreams may make us better people

dreams

What are dreams for? A handful of theories predominate. Sigmund Freud famously contended that they reveal hidden truths and wishes. More recent research suggests that they may help us process intense emotions, or perhaps sort through and consolidate memories, or make sense of random neuron activity, or rehearse responses to threatening situations.

…

A study of Canadian university students found the most common dream topics, apart from sex, to be school, falling, being chased, and arriving too late for something.

…

If human dreams sound bleak, bear in mind that even negative ones can have positive effects. In a study of students taking a French medical-school entrance exam, 60 percent of the dreams they had beforehand involved a problem with the exam, such as being late or leaving an answer blank. But those who reported dreams about the exam, even bad ones, did better on it than those who didn’t.

So the next time you dream about an education-related sexual experience in which you are both falling and being chased, don’t worry: It’s probably totally meaningless. Then again, your brain might be practicing so you’ll be ready if such an event ever comes to pass.

Read full, original post: Bad Dreams Are Good

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosate—the world's most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

ChatGPT-Image-Mar-10-2026-01_39_01-PM
Viewpoint—“Miracle molecule” debunked: Why acemannan supplements don’t work
Woman_Vaping_Electronic_Cigarette_50687233623
Trump administration clears the way for speedy approvals of once-restricted tobacco vapes and pouches
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-25-2026-11_36_56-AM
Now AI almost started a war with China
Screenshot-2026-09-17-at-1.07.08-PM
'We are dangerously addicted to antidepressants': Should we heed RFK Jr.’s sobering warning?
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-2-2026-02_03_32-PM
How much of a problem is AI’s water use?
Screenshot-2026-09-24-at-1.24.47-PM
80% of Americans take (mostly useless) supplements for their health
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-27-2026-10_00_17-AM
Current and future RFK Jr. aides criticize his science-rejectionist vaccine views
Screenshot-2026-09-16-at-10.27.33-AM
Viewpoint: SCOTUS poised to address First Amendment tension between mandatory vaccines, children’s health and religious freedom 
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-21-2026-11_54_00-AM
Viewpoint: Activist environmental NGOs are turning from public funding to activist billionaires to support their campaigns. It won’t end well.
ChatGPT-Image-Sep-23-2026-01_52_03-PM
Viewpoint: 4 very real AI doomsday scenarios
Screenshot-2026-09-16-at-2.26.42-PM
Viewpoint: How to ecologically damage America’s forests: Ban glyphosate
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.