Can't run in your dream? Scientists have the explanation

Is a gang of bandits chasing you? Is a ferocious animal about to pounce on your throat? You absolutely must flee a situation of imminent danger… Problem is, your legs aren't cooperating; they feel like they're each weighing several tonnes. Before you return to reality, fear has settled in, waiting for you to wake up.

But why are you unable to run in these nightmares that sometimes appear out of nowhere? According to a 2014 study, dreams might build up in slow motion. As indicated by the Belgian media RTBF, a series of experiments was conducted on what they call "lucid dreamers", those who are able to control their dreams, to reach these conclusions.

The aim was to time certain actions (running, doing gymnastics, or even counting) and calculate the difference between the task executed in reality and in the dream. The difference is astounding! In a dream, a movement can take up to twice as long as in reality. However, according to observations, the notion of time, like counting to 10, is equivalent in both states. This discrepancy is quite unsettling.

Why this gap between dream and reality?

During the deep sleep phase, while you may move your muscles in your dreams, they, although stimulated, send no response to the brain. Moreover, REM sleep involves a decrease in neural activity, as highlighted by RTBF.

According to researchers, there might also be a psychological explanation for this sensation of being bogged down. Our legs are our most fundamental means of locomotion, allowing us to move forward instantaneously. If you feel this means is hindered, you will feel like you're fighting against something preventing you from moving forward in your daily life. The sensation of being bogged down would be psychologically heightened.

Being chased but unable to run away? Don't forget that your dreams are largely emotional. Maybe you could interpret these scenes in light of what you're really experiencing.

(MH with Raphaël Listet - Source: RTBF - Illustration: ©Unsplash)