Study: Dreams Are Not Random, But Reconstructed Reality

A study by the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca analyzed over 3,700 dream reports from 287 participants aged 18 to 70, finding that dreams actively reconstruct reality by combining memories with imagined events. Using natural language processing tools, researchers discovered that familiar settings like offices or hospitals appear reimagined, not copied, and that people may appear unrecognizable. The study also found that during COVID-19 lockdowns, dreams became more emotionally intense with themes of restriction. Lead author Valentina Elce stated, 'Our findings show that dreams are not just a reflection of past experiences, but a dynamic process shaped by who we are and what we live.' The research opens new avenues for studying consciousness, memory, and mental health at scale.