Information Processing / Consolidation Explanation

Dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate memories. Critical Consideration: But why do we sometimes dream about things we haven’t experienced or past events?

Physiological Function Explanation

Regular brain stimulation from REM sleep may help develop and preserve neural pathways. Critical Consideration: This does not explain why we experience meaningful dreams.

Activation Synthesis Explanation

REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which the sleeping brain weaves into stories. Critical Consideration: The brain is weaving the stories, which still tells us something about the dreamer.

Cognitive Development Explanation

Dream content reflects the dreamer’s level of cognitive development; dreams simulate life, including worst-case scenarios. Critical Consideration: Does not propose an adaptive function of dreams.