Are there differences in the types of dreams that occur at different times?
Even though it can be argued that a dream is a dream, given that there has never been any standardized and unifying approach in classifying dreams, I hold the view that indeed there are differences in the types of dreams that occur at different times, thus my answer is in the affirmative.
Examples of different types of dreams
From the psychological perspective, dreams being a direct exemplification of one’s experiences, feelings and thoughts should be demystified in their different forms, and this creates a self awareness on the reason as to why one dreams the way he/she does. In this psychological front, irrespective of the meaning behind the dream, varied dreams can fall into one of the following groups:
Daydreams; Daydreams occur at an intermediate level between consciousness and sub consciousness, between sleep and wakefulness. Studies show that an average person daydreams for at least one hour each day. It takes place in the conscious world, when one allows his imaginations to take the better part of him/her (Deliso, 1995, p.1). Thus, one’s mind wanders to abstract thoughts and slowly but gradually one’s conscious awareness diminishes, entering the fantastic scenario of the unconscious and abstract horizon.
Ordinary dreams; a great portion of common dreams are encompassed in this category. These emanate from one’s active and conscious interaction with the environment around him/her (Baker, 2006, p. 1). Thus, during the course of resting in sleep, with the conscious mind being inactive and the body being passive the subconscious mind analysis and interprets ones thoughts resulting to ordinary dreams.
Lucid dreams; In lucid dreams one is somewhat conscious of what he/she is dreaming about and is in a relative power to control the dream. The uniqueness of lucid dreams is that one can direct the course of the dream prior to entering the dreaming-state (Baker, 2006, p. 1).
Epic dreams; epic dreams are cosmic in nature, they are strikingly vivid and compelling, that they cannot escape the attention of the dreamer. They are profound in symbolism and beauty and give an amazing life-changing experience to the dreamer (Deliso, 1995, p.1).
Telepathic dreams; Telepathic dreams are characterized by mental connections between the dreamer and any other living person(s) or dead person(s), in which state the dreamer may communicate or hear word from his/her counterpart (Baker, 2006, p. 1). It is generally taken that the dreamer’s soul is the most active in telepathic dreams.
Premonitory dreams; premonitory dreams are spiritually oriented, being an accurate revelation of events yet to happen, giving assurance of divine providence, protection, care and presence, giving timely warnings and corrections on what need to be done/not done (Baker, 2006, p. 1). Premonitory dreams are anchored on the view that dreams see that which may not be apparent to the conscious mind.
Nightmares; Nightmares are triggered by suppressed fear, that is fear which has not yet been acknowledged or confronted, for instance, persistent psychiatric problems in a family, unfruitful relationships, drug and substance abuse and failure to accept a certain life situation (Baker, 2006, p. 1).
They are disturbing and disrupt one’s sleep by awakening them in a frightened and anxious state. They may also bear forewarnings concerning what is yet to happen. Nightmares can still be considered to be one of the ways of problem solving, especially in such problems as the frightening and traumatizing scenarios which might have prevailed over time in the conscious life of the dreamer.
Mutual dreams; Mutual dreams are spontaneous dreams which occur at (once) the same time in more than one dreamer. The people may have a common bond uniting them. As such mutual dreams are very rare (Deliso, 1995, p.1).
Reference List
Deliso, T. (1995). The Various Types of Dreams. Web.
Baker, S. (2006). Five Types of Dreams. Web.