If you're in the habit of ignoring your dreams, you discount your most valuable resource for understanding yourself, according to Dr. Knudson of Miami University of Ohio.

Dreams can be viewed as the "embodiment of thoughts" from our waking lives, giving us feedback on our emotional state.

In the case of grieving after the loss of a loved one, dreams of them can provide a window into the relationship that was once there--and is now missing.

"Our dreams have to do with how we internalize the people we love," says Pamela McCarthy, director of counseling services at Smith College. "You learn to look within for the loved one and the particular function that person played in your life, such as caretaking or guidance in the case of a parent. This becomes part of a function that you can provide for yourself."

Considering the fact that you spend about a third of your life sleeping, and dreaming, keeping track of your dreams can provide valuable insights into the state of your life and the changes you're going through. Keeping a dream journal can be a helpful tool as you work through emotional dry-patches in your life, for example.

Dreaming is a natural thing, and disturbed sleep patterns can wreak havoc with this internal guidance. Making sure you get a healthy amount of sound sleep each night is vital for your overall mental, emotional and physical health.

The New York Times July 3, 2007