What Are Fever Dreams?

Fever dreams are intense and bizarre nightmares experienced during illness. They are linked to increased brain activity due to higher temperatures and immune responses. Scientific studies suggest that fever, not the specific illness, causes these dreams. The amygdala, responsible for fear and anxiety, becomes more active during fever, leading to nightmares. Cytokines, chemical signals from the immune system, also contribute to this heightened brain activity, resulting in disturbing dreams.

What are fever dreams commonly associated with?

• Dreamless sleep

• Lucid and controlled dreaming

• Bizarre and intense nightmares

• Positive and uplifting experiences

According to the 2013 study, what primarily causes fever dreams?

• The amount of sleep a person gets

• The specific illness a person has

• The time of day

• The fever itself

How does increased brain temperature affect neurons?

• It has no effect on them

• It increases the speed of signal transmission

• It decreases their activity

• It causes them to shut down

What role does the amygdala play in fever dreams?

• It controls muscle movements

• It helps in memory retention

• It regulates body temperature

• It is responsible for fear and anxiety

What are cytokines and their role in fever dreams?

• They are hormones that induce sleep

• They are proteins that build muscle

• They are chemical signals that increase amygdala activity

• They are enzymes that digest food