How Dreams Form

Dreams are a common experience for everyone, varying in frequency and vividness. Some people remember their dreams clearly upon waking, while others have hazy or no recollection at all. Dreams are a normal physiological phenomenon that occurs during sleep. Those who claim to never dream simply have forgotten their dreams.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the formation of dreams is associated with the interaction of Yin and Yang energies during sleep. As the defensive Qi (Yang energy) enters the Yin phase, body temperature decreases, gradually leading to a state of sleep. However, the active nature of Yang energy persists. When Yang energy first enters the Yin phase, there is a relative stability between Yin and Yang, resulting in a deep sleep with fewer dreams. However, as Yang energy continues to accumulate strength, it disrupts the equilibrium with Yin, leading to a phase of increased dreaming until Yin regains control, establishing a new balance between Yin and Yang. This marks the end of the phase of increased dreaming.

After a period of power accumulation and preparation, Yang energy initiates another struggle to break free from the Yin phase. With each subsequent cycle, the period of relative stability between Yin and Yang decreases while the period of conflict lengthens. Finally, Yang energy successfully breaks free from the Yin phase, and the person wakes up. The last confrontation between Yin and Yang is the longest and most intense, resulting in the longest duration of dreaming and the deepest impression of dream experiences.