Vivid dreams are characterized by their intensity and clarity, often feeling more real than regular dreams with vivid sensory experiences such as sights, sounds, smells, and emotions. They may have a stronger emotional impact on the dreamer and be more likely to contain symbols or themes that have personal significance. Possible causes of vivid dreams include stressful events, sleep disruption, mental health conditions, certain medications or substances, and changes in diet or exercise habits. Throughout history and across cultures, dreams have been seen as having spiritual significance with some belief systems holding that they can provide insight into the divine or serve as messages from higher powers. Common themes in spiritually significant dreams include symbols of transformation and transcendence.