FROM MYTHOLOGY TO NEUROBIOLOGY: KEY INSIGHTS INTO DREAMS AND CREATIVITY

Abstract

The intricate phenomenon of dreams and their connection to creativity are explored in this concise narrative study. The review is organized into three main sections: (1) Historical Evolution, covering the journey from ancient Greek mythology to contemporary multidisciplinary research on dreams; (2) Theories of Dreams, primarily neural and physiological, documenting the shift from paranormal to neurobiological explanations, with emphasis on the role of REM sleep, emotional regulation, and memory in fostering creativity; and (3) Complex Brain Interactions, highlighting recent neuroscientific findings on brain networks such as the Default Mode Network (DMN) and their involvement in both creative and dreaming processes. By synthesizing historical, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of how dreams can influence creativity.