The reason for why we dream has baffled philosophers, doctors and scientists since the dawn of time. Even in the 21^st Century, the true reason and meaning of why, sometimes almost mini-movies are played out in our heads as we sleep. Below are some of the theories used in the quest to find out why humans and animals dream through the history of time.

Mesopatamia

The analysis of dreams, or Oneirology started in the ancient civilisation of Mesopatamia at around the year 5000BC. They left behind what is considered to be the first book of dreams, which was a compilation of symbols and their meanings, which they believed were sent from the Gods. Their dreams would be interpreted by special “dream priests,” who used them to foretell the person’s future. The soul of the dreamers were said to be lifted out of the their body and sent to the place where the dream takes place..

The Freudian dream philosophy included the importance of symbols and messages contained in them which relate to our waking lives. Below are five of the commonest dreams which many people experience in their lives plus their meanings.

Falling (1)

The classic and most common type of dream involves falling. If it is a bad dream then it can mean anxiety or insecurity about a situation. A dream involving falling can mean that there is an aspect of your life which is out of control and needs to be addressed. If it is a happy one it can mean you are not afraid of changes.

Being Chased (2)

Chasing dreams indicate that you are avoiding something in your waking life. This could be another person, or a situation which has manifested itself. Being chased can also indicate fears that something in the past will catch up with you. The dream is telling you to stop running and face the situation head on!

Teeth Falling out  (3)

Surprisingly this has nothing to do with how good or bad your dentist is, but rather, you have been a little bit loose tongued recently in your waking life. This dream is warning you to be careful with what you are saying!!! otherwise your teeth may fall out for real when you upset the wrong person !!

Driving an Out of Control Vehicle (4)

Dreams about transport and cars relate to the direction in life which we are taking. An out of control one which results in a crash can mean you have made a bad decision or have been irresponsible in some way. If you are alone it may mean you know where you are heading, but lack the support to enable you to get there.

Being Unprepared (5)

A common dream is one in which you feel unprepared for something, be it an exam, a play or wedding. This indicates that in waking life you lack the confidence and preparation to take the next step forwards. At least 1 in 5 people have experienced this type of dream in their lives.

There is no doubt, that there’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep in order for us to function properly in our day to day lives. Scientists are still unsure as to why we sleep and the full extent of things which happen when we are in an unconscious state. All we know is that humans definitely need it and that it has a very positive effect on our bodies.

What is sleep?

Sleep is a state of human unconsciousness which shuts down the human body’s nervous system and muscles in order to perform a series of functions, which benefit our overall health in many different ways.

How Much Sleep do we need?

The right amount of sleep in a 24 hour day has been debated greatly among scientists. According to extensive research carried out by the National Sleep Foundation in 2015, the recommended amount of sleep that people of different ages are as follows:

Newborn children – 0-3 months: 14-17 hours per day

Infants – 4-11 Months: 12-15 hours

Toddlers – 1-2 years: 11-14 hours

Pre- school children – 3-5 years: 10-13 hours

School age children – 6-13 years : 9-11 hours

Teenagers – 14-17 years : 8-10 hours

Young adults – 18-25 years 7-9 hours

Adults – 25-64 years: 7-9 hours

Older adults – 65 years: 7-8 hours

The amount of recommended sleep gets fewer as we get older, but there are still huge benefits to be had by getting the recommended amount of shuteye.

Why is Sleep necessary?

Scientists still do not fully understand why humans and animals sleep. Research over the years has provided several theories as to why:

1.Evolutionary theory

One of the oldest theories is that early humans slept to stay quiet during the hours of darkness when the species was at its most vulnerable from attack. The theory suggests that those species which stayed quiet at night had more chance of survival than those who remained active. This became ingrained in humans, even after these threats receded as mankind evolved. Other scientists argue that it would have been safer to stay awake during these darkness hours in order to be safer and less vulnerable to attack.

2.Energy Conservation Theory

Another idea is that early humans evolved a sleep pattern during the night to conserve energy for the daylight hours so they could hunt for food more effectively. While we have long since put down our spears, energy conservation is still an important part of our lives in order to tackle the challenges of modern life more effectively.

3.Restorative Theory

This theory focuses on the human body’s need to restore itself. Studies in humans and animals suggest that during sleep the body restores itself with things that are lost during our awakening hours. This includes skin cells, muscle growth, the immune system, the brain and memory. Sleep and brain restoration are strongly linked especially with processing information learnt that day in the form of dreams.

Sleep is a chance for the body to clear away any unwanted hormones or chemicals in the body. For example, adenosine is a hormone which builds up on the brain as a bi-product of cell production. It is thought that the release of this makes us tired and the only way in which the body can get rid of it is through sleep.

4.Brain Plascisity Theory

This new theory focuses on sleep’s ability to develop the brain and memorise new information or activity. This may explain why babies and young children need more sleep because this is a phase of their lives where they learn the most on a daily basis. If a human is learning a new activity, e.g., a golf swing, in theory they will be able to perform it better the next day once the brain has had chance to process the information overnight.

1. Too much caffeine

Having a coffee or tea before bed can be a nice way to wind down after a stressful day. However, the caffeine contained in these drinks can play hell with your sleep process. This ingredient blocks adenosine, a hormone which promotes sleep and tiredness in your brain and keeps you awake. If you want to prevent caffeine fuelled insomnia then try not to drink coffee for at least six hours before you intend on going to bed.

2. Stress and worry

One of the most common causes of insomnia is because of stress and worry. A problem rolling around in your head as you lie through the small hours is never a good thing. Worry produces a hormone called cortisol and high levels of this causes you to only lightly sleep, but not enter the deep state of unconsciousness needed for a proper good night’s rest.

Rather than turning to sleeping tablets or any other quick fix medication, try to address the problem as best you can in your head, or get up and distract your mind with something, before going back to bed again.

3. Exercise

Or more to the point, doing exercise helps you to sleep. Immediately after exercise, the last thing you want to do is sleep. It makes your body temperature rise, produces stress hormones and increases both blood flow and heart rate.

However,, given time the opposite starts to happen, stress hormone levels drop, along with body temperature and heart rate, causing the ideal conditions for a good night’s sleep. Research has shown that exercise reduces the time it takes to fall asleep by twelve minutes and 42 minutes extra kip.

4. An overactive bladder and alcohol

You cannot sleep when you need the loo; fact. Alcohol plays havoc with your kidneys and is a diuretic, which means it creates more liquid to go out than goes in. This causes you to go to the loo more often, especially after a period of moderate or heavy drinking. The relaxant effects of alcohol causes you to wake up more readily from dreams, often followed by a trip to the toilet. With all this liquid leaving your body it causes dehydration and the need for water, which then makes you need to wee again. It’s a vicious cycle which keeps you awake and one which only serves to interrupt the natural process of sleep.

5. TV/computers/mobiles/ipads

Studies done on mobile phone and computer- based screens have created the theory that the radiation and light given off by them is responsible from preventing sleep. Factor in the added distractions of constant social media interactions, emails, texts and late night phone calls, it is best to switch them off and forget about them while you fall asleep.

6. TV and horror films

Watching a horror film or reading a scary book before switching off the lights to go to sleep is not a good idea if you have an overactive imagination. The radiation from TV or ipad screens can also impede sleep, research has shown.

7. Too hot

While asleep our body temperature reduces in order to open up the blood vessels in our hands, feet and face. By having the heating on too high or too many blankets on the bed can prevent this from happening and stop the natural process of sleep.

8. Food

Eating a heavy meal and then expecting to fall asleep is not a good idea as your digestive system is in full swing and you are about to shut it down for the night.. On the other hand, an empty stomach can also prevent sleep because of a build up of ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. Leptin, which tells the brain the stomach is full and gherlin work opposite eachother in a see-saw motion. It is best to have a balance of these hormones before you settle down for the night if you can.

9. And finally.. The Wrong Mattress

Comfort is one of the biggest reasons for a lack of sleep. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress every night can disrupt the process. The negative effects of a lack of rest will apply, including weight gain, unbalanced emotions, more risk of diseases and many more defects which occur.
If you are finding it difficult to sleep it is best to start at the very beginning and buy a mattress which suits YOU the best.

1. Fighting off short and long term illnesses

Having a good night’s sleep does not make you invincible from illness and disease, but research has shown that a lack of it can increase health risks. People who sleep for less than six hours a night are more likely to catch a cold or stomach bug. On a more serious note, years of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Work on the brain during REM, the deepest form of sleep can help prevent mental illnesses, such as depression and Alzheimer’s.

2. Live longer

If sleep helps fight off disease it’s more likely to help you live longer. Studies have shown that those who sleep longer will have an extended lifespan– that extra time in bed is by no means wasted! Older people can extend their lives by sleeping for up to nine hours a night.

3. Heals injuries

When you are asleep the cells in your body are more active. These create scar tissue which covers over any blemishes in the skin and heals wounds. The longer you sleep the more it has chance to carry out these essential repairs to your body.

4. Think clearer and improve concentration

Sleep’s effect on the brain is an area that scientists are most fascinated with, because the human capacity to learn is something which distinguishes us from other animals. During sleep the brain consolidates new information and makes us able to perform the same task better the next day. After a good night’s rest, the ability to absorb information and think clearer is more enhanced. Memory loss is more common in those who sleep less than the recommended hours.

5. Prevents accidents and mistakes

It goes without saying, the more tired you are and the less amount of concentration you have, then the more likely it is for accidents to happen. Research shows that 20% of all car accidents are caused by tiredness and more likely to result in serious injury. Stupid things like losing your keys or forgetting to do something is generally due to a lack of sleep.

6. More controlled emotions

Tiredness makes you angrier. Better sleep patterns can make you more emotionally balanced, while a lack of it can turn you into a cranky monster. Sleep levels in children have been linked with the rise of ADHD and in adults; to higher numbers of stress related illnesses.

7. Better weight control

A link between a lack of sleep and weight gain has been something which scientist and nutritionists have been focusing on in recent years. Their studies have shown that those who sleep more or less than the recommended time of 7-9 hours for an adult put on weight. Tiredness during the day, especially at work may lead to the consumption of more snacks, coffee and sugary drinks, further contributing to the problem. This is caused by the hormone, leptin, which is what causes you to feel full. Leptin levels drop when the body is sleep deprived, meaning more of a tendency feel hungry, eat more and fight tiredness with caffeine in the daytime.

8. More creative

Within the brain’s capacity to store new information during periods of rest, it organises it too, if given time. This means that the solution to a problem can be found, often upon waking up, along with the energy to carry it through.

9. Improves physical performance

If you put everything together so far – The ability to help fight off injuries and disease, improve concentration, control weight, emotions, prevents mistakes and become more creative; it is a no-brainer that if you have more sleep you will become physically stronger in both mind and body. More sleep will also make you look and feel more attractive to others, which brings us onto..

10. Better Sex life

The one you’ve been looking for. Yes it is believed that putting both a heightened physical and mental attributes gained by a good night’s rest can improve you exploits in the bedroom…so long as you leave time for some sleep afterwards…

While we have looked at the benefits of memory foam mattresses the other type are supported by springs, which come in different amounts, usually 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000. The more expensive the bed, the more amounts of springs there are supporting it. It is recommended that while buying a bed it is argued that you should have at least 1000 springs, to provide the required comfort for a good night’s sleep.

Types of spring mattresses

1. Open Coil structure

These are linked together across the length and width of the mattress. They are common in children’s beds and are largely inexpensive to produce. However, over time these coils can start to fall out and become displaced, especially under the points of which the most pressure is put on it. This can cause a “hammock” type effect, leading to lack of support for the spine and lower back. This problem can be solved by inserting a piece of memory foam underneath to help take the pressure of the coils.

2. Pocket Springs

Pocket spring mattresses provide even support across the bed and can be found in the aforementioned quantities of 800-2000 springs, depending on the cost. These are not linked together, meaning that they can move to support the contours of your body while you sleep. If sleeping with a partner it helps to eliminate their movements too, meaning there is less chance of disturbing each other during sleep. Pocket spring beds have the advantage of lasting longer than open coil ones before any major repairs need to be carried out.

3. Pocket Memory Mattress Core

As the name suggests this is a combination of both pocket springs and memory foam. The disconnected spring technology still carries out its function of moving to support your body. The memory foam acts as further support for your body’s movements and pressure points. These combined provides a winning formula for a quality night’s sleep.

The benefits of Pocket Spring Beds

1. Reduces Partner Disturbance

This is the term used in the bedding industry for the movement felt by your partner tossing and turning or getting out of bed. While other mattress types may increase this, pocket spring systems reduce the external movement, reducing partner disturbance to a minimum.

2. Supports your body

As each spring is designed individually they can move in accordance with your pressure points and body shape.

3. Safe

The springs do not get hot or emit toxic fumes if set alight and yet they perform pretty much the same function as memory foam.

4. Comes in a range of tensions

Pocket springs come in a different tension, so you can choose whether you require soft, medium or firm support.

A Summary- Spring Mattresses vs Memory Foam

Your choice of bed and support is entirely up to you, as both types have their pros and cons. Your judgement when buying a bed should not be dictated to by the amount of springs underneath, or type of support it has, but also by the look and feel of it too.

What is memory foam?

Memory foam (also known as temper foam) is a soft type of material which is sensitive to temperature or pressure. It has the unique ability to reform itself when weight or heat is exerted on its surface. This type of material is commonly used in beds, seats and in protective equipment, such as helmets.

A Brief History

Memory foam was first produced in 1966 as part of the NASA space programme. This new form of “spring back foam,” was developed by engineer, Charles Yost and scientist, Chiharu Kubokawa. It was used to provide extra comfort for their astronauts, mainly by padding their seats in spacecraft to help deal with the pressure and forces encountered beyond the earth’s atmosphere. The following year, Yost set up his own company, Dynamic Systems Inc, which started producing this material for whoever required it.

One of his customers in 1974 was Beckton-Dickinson, who was interested in using the material inside football helmets to help protect the player’s head from the impacts endured in the sport. He ended up selling the business to them and they expanded its use to other products.
Memory foam could also be found in aircraft seating during the 1970s when commercial flights became popular.

By the 1980s the production of memory foam had become cheaper and more affordable to use in more products. Some companies still avoided it as there were still some difficulties in mass producing the material. One Swedish company, Fagerdala World Foams saw the foam’s potential in bed production.
In 1991 the Tempur-pedic Swedish mattress was launched, the first to be made with memory foam. This new idea of using memory foam on beds was extended commercially too. This material is now a common sight in hospitals, where layers of it are used to give patients extra comfort in their beds to protect them from sores and other defects caused by being bedridden. The material has been developed further in the 21st Century, making the foam mould itself to the body of the person, providing extra comfort and protection to its user.

How is Memory Foam made?

Memory foam is a combination of a polyol, dissocyanate and water. This creates a mix, which when heated, rises like bread, creating an open cell structure. This allows it to regain its shape when pressure is put on, due to the increased airflow through these cells.

How memory foam is graded

The properties of the memory foam can be graded in four ways:

Weight/Density

The foam can be made at different densities, ranging from 1-7lb. The higher the density the harder it is to make an indentation in the foam. Most quality memory foam for beds are made at around 5-6lb, making it more likely to form around the contours of an object which exerts pressure and heat onto it…i.e a person. This technology forms the basis of tempur mattresses on beds and pillows. The thickness of the foam is also important. In order to carry out its comforting properties it must be between 1.5-6in thick.

ILD Rating

How easy it is to make an imprint on the foam. The more amount of pressure needed to create an indentation the higher its ILD rating and the harder the material.

Resilience

This is how springy the foam is and the speed in which it re-forms to its original shape after heat or pressure is imparted on it. If a ball is dropped onto the foam’s surface, how long does it take to remould itself and how far would the object rebound off its surface? The harder the surface the further the ball will rebound off it, the smaller the indentation on the foam, then the less time it takes to go back to its original shape.

Tensile

This is how far the foam can be stretched, which is measured in pounds per sq inch.

Adaptations to problems

Since its first development by NASA in the 1960s the make-up of memory foam has been changed and adapted to create a better product and to eradicate some of its deficiencies.

Too hot and flammable- One drawback of memory phone has been that it can become too hot and indeed emit toxic fumes if ignited. Modern designers have developed ways to add extra airflow channels to the material and integrate cooling materials to reduce the risk of fire and divert sweat away from the body. When used in shoes an antibacterial layer is added to help keep the material cool and odour free.

Not environmentally friendly: Bio green Memory foam has been developed which eliminates some of the chemicals and gases found in the original one.
The invention of memory foam has revolutionised the way we sleep, providing comfort and support to quality beds throughout the world.