NIAGARA, Wis. — I have always been a vivid dreamer and can usually remember my dreams when I awake. Once I even woke up laughing because what was happening in my dream tickled. Needless to say, my husband was most interested to know what I had been dreaming.

Exactly why you dream and how your dreams take shape isn’t fully understood. Is it the snack you had before you went to bed? Is something going on in your life that is causing you to dream? It is clear that your sleeping mind doesn’t simply replay the day; it remixes it, blending feelings and other fragments of your life into something that can feel both random and, at times, quite meaningful.

From personal experience, I believe that repeating dreams do mean something and deserve your attention. I went through a period in my life in which I was very unhappy with the job I had. I had a college degree I was not using, the pay was low, my boss was totally unprofessional, and I could see no way out. I kept dreaming that I was in a very dark, underground parking garage with an elevator as well as many staircases that would take me to daylight. Upon trying the elevator, the operator told me I had to take the stairs. I tried staircase after staircase only to get to the top of each one to find no doorway to the outside. Once I found a new job, this dream stopped.

There are plenty of theories about what your subconscious is actually up to while you sleep.

1. Can you dream in multiple languages?

People who speak more than one language also often dream in more than one language. Research suggests that your brain tends to match the language to the situation. Dreams about family or childhood, for instance, often unfold in a person’s native language, while events occurring in the workplace may shift into a secondary language if the dreamer tends to speak a different language while on that job. Even people with limited ability in a second language can dream in it — and, amazingly, they can sometimes even speak it better than they can in real life.

2. Can you read or tell time in dreams?

Perhaps surprisingly, there’s very little research on whether people can actually read text or check a clock to tell the time in dreams. This is still being researched. It has been learned that language processing becomes less stable during sleep, which may explain why reading, writing, and structured speech seem to be rare in dreams.

3. Can you die in your dreams?

You may have heard the claim that if you die in your dream, you also die in real life. Often, when people do experience vivid, nightmarish scenarios of accidents or falls, we tend to wake up just before the end. This is a reaction most likely triggered by intense emotional responses. Dreams can often simulate danger and fear with terrifying realism, but they have no harmful effect on your waking body.

4. If you dream about someone, are they dreaming about you?

Despite what the romantic in you may wish were true, there’s no scientific evidence that people dream about each other at the same time or in any shared way. We do know dreams are generated entirely within the individual brain, built from memory, emotion, and association.

5. Do dreams actually mean anything?

Since the mid-20th century, researchers have found that dreams show consistent patterns tied to our ongoing stressors, relationships and emotional lives. There are many widely repeated interpretations of classic dream themes. For example, teeth falling out is often linked to stress, loss of control or struggles with self-image. Ultimately, there’s no single decoder ring and meanings may vary widely by person and context. Dreams aren’t so much universally coded messages as they are the brain reorganizing experiences — sometimes coherently and sometimes in very confusing sequences.

6. Do light sleepers dream more?

Dreaming primarily happens during REM sleep regardless of whether someone is a light or deep sleeper. The key difference isn’t frequency, but memory. Light sleepers tend to wake more easily during or shortly after dream periods, increasing the chances they’ll remember and retain those dream fragments. Deep sleepers may experience just as many dreams but lose them simply because they transition more smoothly between sleep stages without waking.

There are other influences on dream recall beyond sleep stages. Research suggests that memory and attention play a role, and people in the habit of reflecting on or recording dreams tend to have better recall. Personality factors such as openness, creativity and introspection are also associated with remembering dreams, while stress and certain health conditions or medications can actually reduce recall, most likely by disrupting memory processes.

7. Can you call forth a dream before sleep?

As strange as this may seem, the answer is yes! Beyond dream carryover from real-life conversations or worries experienced that day, some people actively practice dream incubation, a technique used since ancient times to intentionally steer dream content.

Modern approaches to this involve focusing on a specific problem or question before sleep, visualizing it as an image, and then revisiting it immediately upon waking to try to improve recall.

Research suggests that people with stronger dream recall are more likely to become lucid dreamers, and techniques such as keeping a dream journal, setting intentions to remember dreams before going to sleep, and waking after a few hours and returning to bed afterward can increase the chances of becoming aware within a dream that you are, in fact, dreaming.

8. How long are your dreams in real time?

Dreams often feel long and winding, but in real time they’re usually much shorter than you’d think. Most research estimates that people spend a total of two hours dreaming per night, but not all at once. You typically experience four to six REM periods per night: The first kicks in about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts for approximately 10 minutes. Throughout the night, those periods gradually lengthen, lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes toward morning.

Most dreaming occurs during those REM cycles. And while REM is a continuous sleep state, it doesn’t mean you’ll have one continuous dream — most research suggests that dreams last 5 to 20 minutes each.

Dream study is a fascinating subject. Pay attention to your dreams — especially those that repeat. They just may be trying to tell you something.

Source: Science & Technology

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Wear your favorite sport shirt. Chips and dip bar. Bowl a strike — get a prize.

Tuesday: Popcorn all day. Rosary with Mary, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wacky hair day with some cold-brewed coffee ice cream drink.

Thursday: Mix-Match Day. Enjoy a mix of candy. Residents’ birthday party.

Friday: Beach Day. Fruit bar and some karaoke. Bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memorial Day. Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with music and cake, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Dollar Tree, 9 a.m.; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game packet. You be the judge, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.,

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures and sitcoms, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time and a movie, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Memorial Day craft, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Heartland, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; May birthday party with cake and ice cream, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Immaculate Conception Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m., desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; root beer floats on the patio/garden club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures and sitcoms, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee social and trivia, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; courtyard cabana — root beer floats, 2 p.m.; Baptist Church sing-along, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; music by Crystal Hogan, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble match, 10 a.m.; courtyard social, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Would You Rather,” 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/joke of the day, 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Can You Picture This?”, 11:15 a.m.; Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles, drama club.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation, chair exercise, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese, salad.

Wednesday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Chicken bacon Swiss sandwich, oven fries, fresh fruit.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Fish nuggets, sweet potato fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Hot pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes.

Wednesday: New menu item. Chicken cobbler, dinner roll.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Center is closed for Memorial Day. Delivered meal is biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns, applesauce.

Tuesday: Deluxe hamburger, potato wedges, baked beans.

Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, cauliflower.

Thursday: Chicken noodle soup, crackers, biscuit, Jell-O with fruit.

Friday: Ham dinner, au gratin potatoes, green beans, pudding.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Deep fried fish, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Hamburger stew and biscuits.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Pigs in a blanket, baked french fries, baked beans, fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, apple pie.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, oven roasted potatoes, stewed tomatoes, fruit.

Friday: Philly cheesesteak casserole, vegetable pasta salad, fruit.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Beef dinner frankfurter, whole wheat hot dog bun, oven potatoes, corn, apple slices.

Wednesday: Birthday party. French onion pork chop, garlic mashed potatoes, diced carrots, diced pears, whole wheat dinner roll, lemon cake.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Brussel sprouts, warm peaches, side salad with cheese and tomato.

Milk is available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m., with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Deluxe hamburger, potato wedges, baked beans.

Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, cauliflower, apple crisp.

Thursday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Chop suey, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, chow mein noodles, fresh apple.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork on wheat bun, roasted potatoes, broccoli, blueberry dessert.

Thursday: Breaded fish, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, rye bread, spiced warm applesauce.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar is available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans.

Tuesday: Chicken patty, fries, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Chef salad with ham, chicken and egg, ham and Swiss sliders, fruit cup.

Thursday: Cod, oven-roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables.

Board meeting on Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome, at any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry, rice, vegetables, egg rolls, dessert.

Wednesday: Pasties, vegetable, bread, dessert.

Thursday: Grilled burgers, potato salad, vegetable, dessert.