An inactive state resembling deep sleep in which certain animals living in cold climates pass the winter. In hibernation, the body temperature is lowered and breathing and heart rates slow down. Hibernation protects the animal from cold and reduces the need for food during the season when food is scarce. Compare estivation.
Does Dreaming Indicate a Good Nightâs Sleep? Dreams are typically indicative of a good nightâs sleep, demonstrating that you have passed through the light sleeping phase (NREM) and entered into a deep sleep (REM).
There are, however, a great number of theories being explored. While some scientists posit that dreaming has no direct functionâbut instead is a consequence of other biological processes that occur during sleepâmany studying sleep and dreams believe dreaming serves a primary purpose. Theories of dreaming span scientific disciplines, from psychiatry and psychology to neurobiology.