The function of dreams: wakers in imminent risk or somnifers when recovery is needed

Many theories have been presented regarding the meaning of dreams, starting with Freud's psychoanalytic expression of unconscious desires, to the activation-synthesis theory that proposes they are random brain activity during sleep. Contemporary research integrates emotional processing theories, suggesting dreams help regulate and consolidate emotions. Additionally, evolutionary perspectives, like the threat simulation theory, argue that dreams serve as simulations of potential threats to enhance survival skills. The current limitation is the lack of sufficient validation for any of the previously mentioned theories, and a misunderstanding of the role or function of dreams. While empirical evidence is available, this paper proposes a theory as a potential explanation of two possible functions of dreams, mainly as a wake-up mechanism when the body senses an imminent danger or a harmful situation, or as a sleep favouring agent when rest is needed by the body.