Distinguishing Dreams from Reality: An Insider’s Perspective
By JIM Whittington
As a 70-year-old retired engineer and general contractor now living in South Carolina, I find great joy in my role as a grandpa. My journey with distinguishing dreams from reality dates back to my teenage years when I was diagnosed with manic depressive disorder, now known as bipolar disorder. This condition has given me deeper insights into the nature of our existence and the often blurry line between dreams and reality.
In the realm of sleep, our brain uses a reality threshold to differentiate between what is real and what is imagined. When a signal passes this threshold, the brain deems it real. However, this threshold can be regulated by the frontal cortex, which processes emotions and memories, or by other neurons. The processing of information from senses versus internally generated information also plays a significant role in how we perceive reality.
Some studies suggest that people can struggle with distinguishing dreams from reality, particularly those experiencing Dream-Reality Confusion (DRC). DRC is characterized by past dreams feeling like real memories. One study found that dreams perceived as realistic and involving negative emotions are more likely to be confused with reality and can influence behavior during waking hours. This confusion is often more pronounced among individuals with conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), who have negative experiences and cognitive disturbances.
My personal experience with DRC dates back to the 1990s. During this period, I frequently dreamed of flying, a phenomenon that not only amazed me but also made me believe I could actually do it. These dreams were so vivid and consistent that they could have led me to dangerous actions if not for the help of friends. Flying in my dreams was the most striking aspect, as I could relive places I had never been to with incredible detail, including sounds, sights, and feelings. This experience only reinforced my belief in the importance of these dreams, which might carry significant lessons for us if we choose to listen.
While many Quora participants express concerns about distinguishing dreams from reality, these worries are not commonly articulated by people in my offline social circle. Their concerns tend to revolve around global issues, personal problems, or a combination of both, rather than the existential nature of our existence or the world being a simulation.
From a young age, I understood the distinction between dreams and reality. Once I opened my eyes, I was in the real world, while dreams were to be observed only during sleep. Even in half-sleep states, the confusion was brief and would resolve once I fully woke up. My senses in reality have always worked well, providing me with reliable information. In dreams, I can see and hear, but the other senses—taste, touch, and smell—do not function. Visual and auditory experiences in dreams are the most vivid, with hearing being somewhat rare.
The ability to distinguish between dreams and reality is a crucial aspect of our cognitive function. Understanding this distinction can offer valuable insights into our mental states and the nature of our experiences. Whether it's through the lens of mental health, personal growth, or just a deeper appreciation of the world around us, navigating this line between dreams and reality enriches our life journey.
As we continue to explore the physical world and the deeper realms of the mind, the line between dreams and reality remains both fascinating and challenging. It is my hope that through continued research and personal experiences, we can better understand the nuances that are unique to the realms of dreams and reality.
JIM Whittington, 70 years old, South Carolina
References
1. DRC (Dream-Reality Confusion): An Overview and Insights
2. How to Distinguish Dreams from Reality
3. Dream-Reality Confusion in Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment