Research paper for intro to psychology (sleep vs dream)

Why We Dream and How it Affects our Sleep

Introduction 
           People have long been fascinated by the phenomenon of dreaming. Dreams have been
seen as a window into the subconscious mind and have been used for centuries to try to
understand the human condition. Moreover, recent studies have shown that dreams can influence
our waking behavior. For example, people exposed to stressful events in their dreams are more
likely to report feeling stressed when they wake up. Similarly, people who dream about
exercising are more likely to exercise the next day (Schoch et al., 2019). These findings suggest
that dreams may be a way to process and integrate information from our waking lives. As such,
they may play a role in our physical and mental health. While it is clear that dreams can
influence our sleep, the exact nature of this relationship still needs to be fully understood.
One theory is that dreams help to consolidate memories from the day. Research has shown that
people who sleep after learning new concepts are more likely to recall that information than
people who do not sleep. They also help in processing emotional experiences, which are often
more intense in dreams than in waking life, which may allow us to work through our feelings in
a safe and controlled environment (Schoch et al., 2019). This may be particularly beneficial for
people who have experienced traumatic events, as dreaming about the event may help to reduce
its emotional impact (Schoch et al., 2019). While the exact function of dreaming is still not fully
understood, the growing body of research suggests that dreams play a role in memory
consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical health. Understanding how dreams affect our
sleep is essential in optimizing our sleep and health.
Research Question 
1. What is the purpose of dreaming, and how does it impact a person's sleep cycle?

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Research Problem 
           Though many theories exist, the purpose of dreaming has yet to be fully understood.
Many researchers believe that the brain can process and sort information and memories through
dreams. Others believe that dreams are a way to satisfy unconscious desires or deal with
repressed emotions. While the purpose of dreaming is still largely a mystery, research has shown
that dreams can impact a person's sleep cycle. For example, people with nightmares or anxious
dreams may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, research suggests that
people with vivid, exciting dreams are more likely to remember them, which can also impact
sleep. This paper attempts to understand the dream phenomenon and its connection to an
individual's sleep quality. 
Literature Review
Why People Dream
           Quite notably, dreams have been a topic of philosophical speculation since antiquity.
According to research, people dream for a variety of reasons. For others, as noted previously,
dreams are essential in information processing, and relaxation from the experiences garnered
throughout the day (Suni, 2022). They can also be a way for the brain to process emotions, sort
through memories, and practice dealing with difficult situations. Sometimes, dreams may even
be a way to work through trauma. It is believed that dreams serve many purposes, including
having the ability to help with memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and problem-solving
(Perogamvros et al., 2013). When we dream, our brains are active and working to process
information and sort through memories. In addition, other researchers suppose that dreams can
help people deal with difficult situations. For instance, sometimes, dreams may be a way to work
through trauma. 

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Various theories have been developed to explain why and how dreams impact us. Through the
Activation-synthesis, dreams are seen as a way through which the information and experiences
garnered through the day are well processed by the brain when it is most active (Perogamvros, et
al., 2013). Through this process, one can store and retain information for a long time, given that
the brain stores it when we dream. In addition, one can make sense of their emotions through
dreaming (Perogamvros, et al., 2013). As such, they can easily practice handling challenging,
emotionally distressful situations, and handling trauma. 
Another theory, identified as the organization of knowledge and memories, suggests


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