Podcast Project- Talking

The first episode of the podcast "Odysseys of Our Own" explores the topic of dreams. Dreams are brain activity that occurs while we sleep, and they are related to our desires, intentions, and experiences from the previous day. Dreams often happen during the REM stage of sleep, but we usually don't remember them because our brains are unable to hold onto the information. Dreams can be a way to process emotions and find peace after difficult days. There are different types of dreams, including common dreams, daydreams, lucid dreams, false awakening dreams, and nightmares. While some believe that dreams hold important information about the future, scientists argue that they provide more insight into our mental conditions. The podcast also recommends the app Headspace for mental health and well-being. What's up, everyone? My name is Evelyn Brake, and I'd like to thank you for tuning in today. Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast, Odysseys of Our Own. This podcast seeks to answer your questions about life, including everything from how do seasons work to what's really in the Bermuda Triangle. In today's episode, entitled Secrets of Sleep, we're going to be delving a little deeper into a question that has dumbfounded humanity for centuries. What is a dream? But before we start, if you're interested in mental health and well-being, and I hope you are, let me recommend to you the app Headspace. Headspace can help you connect with yourself better, relieve stress, and improve your sleep. With Headspace, I have been able to wake up every morning with a positive attitude and face hard challenges. You can get 50% off when you first subscribe to Headspace using our promo code, DREAMS. Again, use our promo code, DREAMS, to start your new journey with Headspace. For hundreds of years, scientists have pondered the question, what is a dream? Today, I'm hoping to give you an answer to that question. Let's start with the basics. What is the scientific definition of a dream? A dream is basically brain activity that occurs while we are sleeping. Not many people know this, but our brains don't completely shut down when we're sleeping. In fact, parts of our brains are still active, regulating bodily functions and processing emotions. This activity causes dreams, which are often related to our desires, intentions, and experiences throughout the previous day. Dreams typically occur during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep, also known as REM. Oddly enough, this is when the brain is most active. Because of this high activity, experts estimate that we dream a few times a night. However, we almost never remember them. Now, why is that? Well, scientists have discovered that unless we are awakened right after REM or during REM, our brains are unable to remember the night activity that occurred within. There's simply too much information to hold. Oftentimes, we remember small factions of our dreams or key motifs and feelings, but it is nearly impossible to remember every detail of a single dream. So, now that we've covered the what, how about the why? Oftentimes, dreams can be used as a way to process our emotions and to better understand the events of the day. It can allow us to alleviate stress and finally find peace after difficult days. Next, we're going to be covering the different types of dreams that exist. So, exactly how many different types of dreams are there? Well, studies have shown that there are around 10 different types of dreaming. However, there are five common types, which we'll briefly discuss in just a moment. The first type is your common dreams, which are typically forgettable and revolve around your daily experiences and emotions. Things like going to work, going to school, just typical things you do in your everyday life. Secondly, you have daydreams, which can be described as waking fantasies. Basically, your mind escapes reality and envisions something more pleasant or desirable. When people daydream, oftentimes they appear to be in an almost trance-like state. Third, we have lucid dreams, which I actually find pretty interesting because you're actually conscious of the fact that you're dreaming as your mind is taking you through a dream. You're aware that everything that you're seeing is not real. It's all just a dream, which isn't typical with most dreams. Fourth, we have false awakening dreams, which are like the total opposite of lucid dreams. These dreams have a very vivid feeling that you've woken up. You might wake up to your alarm, brush your teeth, and go through your entire morning routine just to find out that it was all a dream. Finally, you have nightmares, which are a combination of fear, anxiety, and dread, all rolled up into one unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to avoid these, such as not watching scary movies before bed, avoiding spicy foods, meditating before bed, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can all decrease the chance of you having nightmares. The final topic we're going to cover today is probably one of the most asked questions we get when it comes to dreams. What do your dreams actually mean? There are a few conspiracy theories that offer answers to this question. While no evidence has been provided, many believe that dreams hold important information about the future. Some people have even dedicated their time to deciphering the underlying messages that our dreams might hold. However, recent evidence points against the fact. Scientists argue now that dreams hold much more important information about our own mental conditions, such as our anxiety, stress, and hormone levels, rather than the future. But who knows? Maybe dreams do tell the future. Maybe I will fly to Mars with my pet cat, Fluffy, according to last night's dream. I hope you've enjoyed today's odyssey of our own. Like, subscribe, and share with your friends, and be sure to tune in to our next episode, The Secrets of the Seasons, available wherever you get your podcasts. Reminder, you can get 50% off at Headspace using our code DREAMS. Again, it's DREAMS for 50% off Headspace. Thank you so much for listening, and have a great day. I hope you've enjoyed today's odyssey of our own. Like, subscribe, and share with your friends, and be sure to tune in to our next episode, The Secrets of the Seasons, available wherever you get your podcasts. Reminder, you can get 50% off at Headspace using our code DREAMS. Again, it's DREAMS for 50% off Headspace. Thank you so much for listening, and have a great day. This is Evelyn Brake, signing off.