Nightmares as Survival Simulations

What if your brain is using your nightmares as a high-stakes survival simulator? According to the

threat simulation theory, the purpose of dreaming is to provide a realistic virtual

environment to practice perceiving and avoiding danger. By confronting these threats while you

sleep, you are essentially training your brain to cope with real-life risks,

which may have given our ancestors a survival advantage. While it remains a debated topic,

the fact that nightmares so often involve being chased or attacked suggests that our minds might

be hardwired for these nightly rehearsals. It is a biological "safety drill" designed to keep you sharp

for the world outside. Want to know if your bad dreams are actually making you safer?