The Lost Art of Dreaming: Why Restoring Natural Sleep Cycles Matters

Many of us have adapted to going to bed late and waking up to the sound of an alarm. While this may seem like the norm, it can actually have a significant impact on our natural sleep-wake cycles—particularly when it comes to dreaming. In fact, dreams play an essential role in brain health, including memory retention, emotional processing, and overall cognitive function.

Dr. Rubin Naiman, an expert in sleep and dream studies, has shared profound insights on the importance of dreaming for our brain health. He explains that dreams are not just random brain activity; they play a crucial role in maintaining our mental well-being. They help us process emotions and memories, and research suggests they support our learning and problem-solving abilities. When we disrupt this natural process—such as by waking abruptly to an alarm—we may be compromising the quality of our sleep and, in turn, the quality of our dreams.

One of the ways I’ve embraced nighttime from a new lens is through the bedtime reflections of Dr. Neiman. His approach to sleep has deeply influenced how I view this vital part of life. I keep a collection of his bedtime contemplations by my bedside, and I love ending my day with these peaceful thoughts. Dr. Neiman’s insights have shifted my understanding of sleep from a mere "to-do" into a meaningful, enriching experience.

You can get your own copy here: Hush: A Book of Bedtime Contemplations.

The Impact of Waking to an Alarm

When we wake to the sound of an alarm, we often come from a deep sleep or a dream cycle. This abrupt awakening can cause us to miss out on the beneficial effects of our dreams. Dreams typically occur during the last stage of sleep, right before we wake up, and they are connected to important brain functions such as consolidating memories and emotional processing. Waking suddenly cuts this process short, which is why we often feel groggy, unfocused, or even anxious after an alarm goes off.

Why Waking Up Naturally Matters

For me, learning to wake up naturally has been transformative. Prior to going to bed earlier, I was either waking up to my kids or the alarm, which left me feeling groggy and disconnected from any meaningful dreams. Since changing my routine to prioritize earlier bedtimes and allowing my body to wake up naturally, I have noticed a major shift in my sleep patterns. I went from not having dreams at all to dreaming nearly every night, and these dreams are often vivid and meaningful.

Allowing your body to wake naturally, without the jolt of an alarm, encourages a more restful sleep cycle and gives your brain the time it needs to complete its dream phases. This not only improves the quality of your sleep but also nurtures your mental and emotional health.

How You Can Try This at Home

1. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Start winding down earlier by creating a peaceful environment before bed. Whether it's reading a book, listening to calming music, or practicing gentle stretching, a calming routine signals to your body that it's time to sleep.

2. Set Your Bedroom Up for Success: Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep. This means a cool, dark, and quiet room. Consider using blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out any light, and eliminate any disruptive noises with earplugs or a white noise machine.

3. Gradually Adjust Your Bedtime: If you’re used to going to bed late, try shifting your bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes each night. With time, this will allow your body to adjust to a more natural sleep-wake cycle.

4. Be Mindful of Your Alarm: If possible, allow yourself to wake up naturally. If you must use an alarm, try setting it to a gentle tone or vibration instead of a loud, jarring noise. This will help your body ease into waking rather than experiencing a sudden shock.