Science has made great progress in deepening our understanding of dreaming . Still, there is no answer to the question: Why do we dream? There are, however, a great number of theories being explored. While some scientists posit that dreaming has no direct function—but instead is a consequence of other biological processes that occur during sleep —many studying sleep and dreams believe dreaming serves a primary purpose. Theories of dreaming span scientific disciplines, from psychiatry and psychology to neurobiology. Some current theories suggest that dreaming is: A component and form of memory processing , aiding in the consolidation of learning and short-term memory to long-term memory storage. An extension of waking consciousness, reflecting the experiences of waking life. A means by which the mind works through difficult, complicated, unsettling thoughts, e...