About dream

A dream is a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. It is a natural occurrence that can occur during any stage of sleep and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including emotions, experiences, and memories.

Addiction to dream, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes dream addiction?

No, dream addiction is not listed as a disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). The DSM-5 does not recognize dream addiction as a formal mental health diagnosis. However, some people may experience excessive or problematic dream activity that could be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. If you are concerned about your dream activity or mental health, it is recommended to speak with a mental health professional for further evaluation and support.

So what means “dream addiction”?

Dream addiction is a phenomenon where a person becomes overly preoccupied with their dreams, to the point where it begins to interfere with their daily life. This can manifest in several ways, such as constantly thinking about dreams, obsessively analyzing dreams, or even altering one’s behavior to try and induce specific types of dreams. Dream addiction can be a symptom of underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, or it may be a result of a fascination with the subconscious mind and the mysteries of dreaming. Ultimately, dream addiction can be harmful if it begins to disrupt a person’s ability to function in their daily life.

What is considered dream addiction?

There is no official diagnosis for “dream addiction” in the medical field. It is important to remember that dreaming is a normal and healthy part of the sleep cycle, and individuals may have vivid or frequent dreams for a variety of reasons. If you are concerned about your sleep habits or have questions about your dreams, it is recommended to speak with a medical professional. They may refer you to a sleep specialist or psychologist if necessary.

How much dream is too much?

There is no set amount of time that is considered “too much” for dreaming. Dreaming is a natural process that occurs during sleep and it is important for our mental and emotional well-being. However, if someone is consistently spending an excessive amount of time sleeping and dreaming, it may be a sign of an underlying medical or psychological condition and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

Some health and fitness addiction facts & statistics

There is limited research on the prevalence of health and fitness addiction. However, some studies suggest that it may affect up to 10% of the population.

Here are some statistics related to health and fitness addiction:

1. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 10% of gym-goers met the criteria for exercise addiction.

2. A study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction found that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) were more likely to have exercise addiction. BDD affects approximately 2% of the population.

3. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) states that excessive exercise is a common behavior among individuals with eating disorders, affecting up to 80% of individuals with anorexia nervosa.

4. A survey conducted by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) found that 18% of gym-goers reported feeling guilty if they missed a workout, and 14% felt anxious or irritable if they couldn’t exercise.

It’s important to note that not all individuals who engage in frequent exercise or have a strong interest in health and fitness are addicted. Health and fitness addiction is characterized by compulsive and excessive exercise that interferes with daily life and causes physical and/or psychological harm.

This Course Breaks Your Digital Habits

START THE COURSE

Is the dream addiction widespread?

Dreaming is a natural and essential part of the sleep cycle, and most people experience several dreams each night. It is not considered an addiction but rather a natural function of the brain during sleep. However, in some cases, people may experience recurring nightmares or lucid dreams that can affect their sleep quality and overall well-being. In such cases, seeking professional help from a therapist or doctor may be beneficial.

Why is dream so addictive?

Dreams can be addictive because they allow us to escape reality and experience things that may not be possible in our waking lives. They can also provide a sense of excitement, adventure, and even comfort.

Additionally, dreams can tap into our deepest desires, fears, and emotions, making them a powerful and compelling experience. The brain also releases dopamine during dreaming, which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and addiction. As a result, the more we dream, the more we may crave that pleasurable feeling and seek out more dream experiences.

Possible causes of dream dependency

Some people may use the term “dream addiction” to refer to a compulsive need to daydream or fantasize excessively, which can interfere with daily functioning. The causes of this type of addiction may include:

• 1. Escapism: Using dreams or fantasies as a way to escape from reality or cope with stress or difficult emotions.
• 2. Lack of fulfillment: Feeling unfulfilled in one’s life, relationships, or goals, leading to a desire to escape into a fantasy world.
• 3. Brain chemistry: Some research suggests that certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine, may play a role in addictive behaviors, including excessive daydreaming.
• 4. Trauma: Individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse may use daydreaming as a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with painful memories or emotions.
• 5. Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as high levels of openness or creativity, may be more prone to excessive daydreaming or fantasizing.

It’s important to note that excessive daydreaming or fantasizing can be a symptom of other underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. If you are struggling with compulsive daydreaming or any type of addiction, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

Signs & Symptoms of dream addiction

Now let’s see if you have the dream addiction problem.

• 1. You have trouble distinguishing between dreams and reality: You may find yourself questioning what is real and what is not, as your dreams feel just as vivid and important to you as your waking life.
• 2. You spend a lot of time thinking about your dreams: You may spend a significant amount of time thinking about your dreams, analyzing them, or trying to remember them in detail.
• 3. You have recurring dreams: You may have certain dreams that occur frequently, or even the same dream over and over again.
• 4. You have a dream journal: You keep a journal to write down your dreams and analyze them. You may even prioritize your dream journal over other aspects of your life.
• 5. You have lucid dreams: You have the ability to control your dreams and can even change the outcome of them.
• 6. You feel disappointed or upset when you don’t dream: You may feel disappointed or upset when you don’t remember your dreams or have a difficult time falling asleep.
• 7. You have trouble functioning during the day due to a lack of sleep: You may prioritize your dream life over your real life, leading to a lack of sleep and difficulty functioning during the day.

What are some benefits of dream

• 1. Creativity and Imagination: Dreams provide a space for our imagination to run wild and unleash our creativity. we can explore new ideas, thoughts, and experiences that we may not have considered while awake.
• 2. Problem solving: Dreams can help us solve complex problems by providing us with different perspectives and insights that we may not have considered while conscious.
• 3. Emotional Healing: Dreams provide a platform for emotional healing. They can help us process and work through difficult emotions and experiences, which may be too overwhelming to confront in our waking life.
• 4. Inspiration: Dreams can inspire us to pursue our passions and achieve our goals. They can provide us with the motivation and enthusiasm to pursue our dreams and fulfill our potential.
• 5. Self-Reflection: Dreams can help us understand ourselves better. They can reveal our fears, desires, and motivations, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
• 6. Spiritual Growth: Dreams can provide us with spiritual growth and development. They can offer guidance and insight into our spiritual path and help us connect with our higher self and the divine.
• 7. Entertainment: Dreams can be fun and entertaining. They can provide us with vivid and exciting experiences that we may not be able to experience in our waking life.

Overall, dreams offer a multitude of benefits and advantages that can enhance our personal growth, creativity, problem-solving skills, emotional healing, and spiritual development.But at the opposite, what can be some dream addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

Studies suggest that dreams can have various effects on a person’s health, including:

• 1. Reducing stress: Dreams can help reduce stress levels and provide a sense of relief from daily anxieties.
• 2. Improving memory: Research suggests that dreaming can help consolidate memories and aid in memory recall.
• 3. Boosting creativity: Dreams can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving.
• 4. Enhancing mood: Positive dreams can improve a person’s mood and overall well-being.
• 5. Promoting brain health: Dreaming is believed to be important for maintaining cognitive function and brain health.
• 6. Improving sleep quality: A good night’s sleep, which includes dreaming, can improve sleep quality and boost energy levels during the day.

However, nightmares or disturbing dreams can have negative effects on a person’s mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It’s important to address any recurring nightmares with a healthcare provider to identify and treat underlying issues.

dream and sleep disorder

Dreams themselves do not create sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, certain types of dreams, such as nightmares or vivid, emotionally intense dreams, can disrupt sleep and lead to sleep problems such as insomnia or sleep deprivation.

Additionally, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, can cause disrupted sleep and lead to more frequent and vivid dreams. In general, maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as having a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment, can help reduce the likelihood of sleep problems and minimize the impact of disruptive dreams.

dream affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of dream on your brain

• 1. Sleep Disturbances: Dreams can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and cause disturbances in deep sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
• 2. Anxiety and Depression: Recurring nightmares or vivid dreams can lead to anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact mental health.
• 3. Stress: Dreams can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to increased cortisol levels and other physical symptoms of stress.
• 4. Memory Impairment: Dreams can interfere with the consolidation of memories, leading to impaired memory recall and learning.
• 5. Psychosis: In rare cases, intense and vivid dreams can trigger psychotic episodes in individuals who are already at risk for mental illness.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences negative effects from dreams, and some individuals may find them helpful in processing emotions and experiences. It’s also important to seek professional help if you are experiencing frequent or disturbing dreams that are impacting your mental health.

Some effects of dream on your mental health

But here are some potential negative effects that dreams can have on mental health:

• 1. Nightmares: Frequent nightmares can lead to anxiety, fear, and sleep disturbances. They can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some individuals.
• 2. Insomnia: Dreams can cause sleep disturbances and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can lead to chronic insomnia, which can have negative effects on mental health.
• 3. Depression: Dreams can exacerbate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair in people with depression. They can also trigger depressive episodes in individuals who are susceptible to depression.
• 4. Anxiety: Dreams can cause anxiety, especially if they are vivid and disturbing. They can also exacerbate existing anxiety disorders.
• 5. Psychosis: In rare cases, vivid and persistent dreams can lead to psychosis, a mental condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking.

It’s important to note that most people do not experience negative effects from their dreams. However, if you are experiencing persistent nightmares or other negative effects from your dreams, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional.

Does dream cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, dreams can cause stress or anxiety. Dreams often reflect our subconscious thoughts and feelings, and they can bring up unresolved emotions or fears. For example, a person who is experiencing stress at work may have a dream about being overwhelmed with work tasks, which can increase their feelings of stress and anxiety even after they wake up.

Additionally, recurring nightmares or vivid dreams can also lead to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to pay attention to the content of our dreams and how they make us feel, and seek support or guidance if needed.

Can dream addiction lead to sadness and depression?

There is no clinical diagnosis of “dream addiction,” but excessive dreaming or daydreaming may be a symptom of underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. If someone is spending an excessive amount of time daydreaming or obsessing over their dreams, it may be a sign that they are using this as a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with their emotions or reality.

In this case, dream addiction may not be the direct cause of sadness and depression, but rather a symptom of an underlying mental health issue. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with excessive dreaming or daydreaming and experiencing negative emotions.

Dopamine and dream

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the regulation of several brain functions, including motivation, reward, and pleasure. It is also known to be involved in the regulation of sleep and dreaming.

Research suggests that dopamine levels may influence the content and frequency of dreams. High levels of dopamine may lead to more vivid and intense dreams, while low levels of dopamine may lead to a decrease in dream activity.

Additionally, dopamine is involved in the regulation of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the stage of sleep during which most dreaming occurs. Studies have shown that dopamine activity is highest during REM sleep, suggesting that it plays a critical role in the regulation of this stage of sleep.

Overall, dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that appears to be closely linked to the regulation of sleep and dreaming. Its role in these processes is complex and requires further research to fully understand.

dream effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Dreams can have an impact on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance in several ways. Here are some examples:

• 1. Sleep quality: Dreams occur during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is essential for restful sleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased productivity.
• 2. Emotional state: Dreams can be influenced by our emotions and can also affect our emotional state. If we have a nightmare or a stressful dream, we may wake up feeling anxious, sad, or angry, which can affect our ability to focus and be productive.
• 3. Memory consolidation: Dreams play a crucial role in memory consolidation, which is the process of storing and retrieving information. If we have a dream related to something we learned or experienced during the day, it can help us remember it better. On the other hand, if we have a disrupted sleep cycle, it can lead to impaired memory consolidation and affect academic performance.
• 4. Creativity: Dreams can also inspire creativity and problem-solving skills. Some of the most innovative ideas and inventions have been inspired by dreams. However, if we have too many vivid dreams or nightmares, it can affect our ability to concentrate and be productive during the day.

Overall, while dreams can impact focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance, it’s essential to maintain a healthy sleep routine and manage stress to minimize any negative effects.

A word about ADHD and dream

Research suggests that people with ADHD may have more intense and vivid dreams than those without the condition. They may also experience more frequent nightmares and disrupted sleep patterns, which can affect the quality and content of their dreams.

Additionally, some studies have found that ADHD medication can affect dream content and frequency. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ADHD and dream experiences.

affecting your relationships

dream and self-esteem

Dreams can affect self-esteem in a variety of ways. Positive dreams can boost self-esteem and increase feelings of confidence, self-worth, and happiness. On the other hand, negative dreams can lower self-esteem and lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and hopelessness.

Furthermore, recurring negative dreams can have a more significant impact on self-esteem as they may reinforce negative beliefs about oneself. For example, if someone has a recurring dream about failing at a task, they may start to believe that they are incapable of succeeding in that area, leading to lower self-esteem.

Overall, dreams can influence self-esteem by shaping our beliefs and emotions about ourselves. It is important to pay attention to recurring patterns and themes in our dreams and address any negative beliefs that may be affecting our self-esteem.

dream addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Dreaming itself is a natural and necessary part of the human sleep cycle, and is not considered an addiction. However, if a person becomes preoccupied with their dreams to the point where they neglect relationships and social activities, it could potentially lead to isolation and loneliness. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between personal interests and social connections.

Effects of dream on your relationship

Positive effects of dreams on your relationship include:

• 1. Strengthening emotional connections: Dreams can help you connect with your partner on a deeper emotional level, which can strengthen your relationship.
• 2. Increasing intimacy: Dreams can help you explore your fantasies and desires, which can lead to increased intimacy in your relationship.
• 3. Resolving conflicts: Dreams can provide a safe space where you and your partner can work through conflicts and find solutions together.
• 4. Encouraging communication: Sharing your dreams with your partner can encourage open communication and help you understand each other better.

Negative effects of dreams on your relationship include:

• 1. Misinterpretation: Dreams can be confusing and open to interpretation, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication between partners.
• 2. Jealousy and insecurity: Dreams about other people or situations can trigger feelings of jealousy and insecurity in your partner.
• 3. Disappointment: Dreams can create unrealistic expectations in your relationship, leading to disappointment when reality doesn’t match up.
• 4. Lack of trust: Dreams can sometimes involve betrayals or infidelity, which can erode trust in your relationship if not handled properly.

This Course Breaks Your Digital Habits

START THE COURSE

Finally you think you are addicted to dream and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for dream?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your dream addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the dream addiction

If you feel like you have an addiction to dreaming, you should consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or mental health professional. They can provide you with personalized advice and strategies to overcome your addiction. Here are some general steps that may be helpful:

• 1. Recognize that you have a problem: Acknowledge that you have an addiction to dreaming and that it is negatively affecting your life.
• 2. Identify triggers: Try to identify what triggers your excessive dreaming. Is it stress, anxiety, or boredom?
• 3. Create a plan: Create a plan to reduce the time you spend dreaming. For example, set a specific time limit for dreaming each day, or limit your exposure to activities that trigger your addiction.
• 4. Seek support: Join a support group or seek the help of a therapist or counselor who can guide you through the recovery process.
• 5. Be patient: Overcoming addiction takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Remember that overcoming addiction is a journey, and it requires commitment, persistence, and support.
Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including dream:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of dream

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your dream accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge