You have JavaScript disabled
For the best experience, please turn JavaScript on. Here's how

Why do we dream? - Amy Adkins

8,647,314 Views

57,152 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

In the 3rd millennium BCE, Mesopotamian kings recorded and interpreted their dreams on wax tablets. In the years since, we haven't paused in our quest to understand why we dream. And while we still don’t have any definitive answers, we have some theories. Amy Adkins reveals the top seven reasons why we might dream.

Watch Think 5 Multiple Choice &
2 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
13 Open Discussions

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

According to the results of one research study, a person will be able to get through a 3D virtual maze the fastest on their second attempt at it if they:

a

Take a nap but don't dream anything between their first and second attempts at getting through the 3D maze

b

Think very hard about the 3D maze between their first and second attempts at getting through it

c

Think of something entirely different between their first and secodn attempts at getting through the 3D maze

d

Take a nap and dream about the 3D maze between the first and second attempt at getting through it

e

Try harder the second time around

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator Amy Adkins
Animator Claire Van Ryzin, Chris Anne Lindo, Sam Lee
Narrator Addison Anderson

More from The Way We Think

Psychology

The difference between false empathy and true support - Chezare A. Warren

73,016 Views

Psychology

How to increase your happiness

787,408 Views

Philosophy & Religion

How to know if you're being selfish (and whether or not that's bad)

556,315 Views

Science & Technology

The unbelievable science of how we read

1,468,238 Views