In Your Dreams: An Index to the Series

Monday, December 08, 2003

The average person will spend 50,000 hours of his life dreaming --
more than two hours a night, every night. For an activity that
consumes so much of our time, however, scientists still don't
completely understand why we dream or what dreams mean.

In this five-part series, "In Your Dreams," the Post-Gaztte provides
the latest information and newest theories on dreaming. We talked to
dozens of sleep researchers and dream experts from around the nation,
as well as everyday people who are fascinated by the subject and keep
track of their dreams in elaborate journals. Our goal: To shed as
much light as we could on the mysteries of the night.

Day One: The Science of Dreams

After centuries of research, scientists still can't explain why we
dream or what our dreams mean, but they're learning more all the time.
We know more about dreams, but not much
Humanity shares its common dreams
The 12 Universal Dreams
Dreams and the arts: PG critics assemble their dream theme team
Dreams: a decade-long journal provides insight
A dream journal "how-to"


Day Two: The History of Dreaming

In 1953, a graduate student's experiment with his son opened the door
to research about sleep patterns and their link to dreaming.
After 50 years, the veil begins to lift
Experts trying to awaken Pittsburgh interest in dream study
Society strives to find middle ground between science, symbolism
Dream Journal: Tara Deringor


Day Three: Nightmares

Nightmares are common among children, who mostly grow out of them.
But not everyone. Nearly 14 million American adults each night suffer
recurring nightmares.
Nightmares can be very, very scary
One solution: Imagine a better ending
Night terrors are rare, but normal for children
Helping children cope with nightmares
Resources: Learning more about nightmares
Dream Journal: Jean-Jacques Sene


Day Four: Intruders in the Night

Normally our muscles are virtually paralyzed when we dream. But some
people walk, talk, fight and even eat while sleeping.
When dreams become a real-life nightmare
Bloomfield woman never dreamed her problem was sleep eating
Readers share their dreams
Dream Journal: Jocelyn Hillen
Dream Journal: Peter Baynes


Day Five: Taking Control

Can you control your dreams? Those who believe it's possible have
promoted the concept of "lucid dreaming." Others, however, wonder
whether we're meant to control our dreams.
'Lucid' dreamers say they can learn skills, cure ills
Resources for learning how to dream lucidly
Lucid Dreams: A sample
Dream Journal: Robert Brust
Readers share more dreams
The Dream Team: The Post-Gazette staffers behind the series

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03342/248635.stm