What is the relationship between them?

Research suggests that there is a strong relationship between daydreaming and night dreams, with both being considered forms of “mind wandering” that involve similar brain networks, drawing on personal memories and concerns, and often featuring vivid imagery. However, there are a few key differences with regard to conscious control and the often more bizarre and illogical nature of night dreams is most likely due to the sleep state involved. Night dreams tend to be more bizarre and illogical compared to daydreams, often incorporating incongruous elements and unexpected scenarios. 

The key distinction between the two types of dreams lies in the level of conscious control; daydreaming (or the technique of active imagination, which involves re-entry into a dream while awake) occurs in a waking state with some awareness of the surrounding environment, while night dreams happen during sleep with minimal conscious control. 

Research which looked at the relationship between daydreaming and dreams focused on different areas, with results that suggest a converging of evidence:

For example, research comparing reported daydream content with dream content has shown significant overlap in themes and emotions, suggesting a shared underlying cognitive process. What that process is and how it works is yet to be discovered.

Brain imaging studies have also indicated similar activation in the areas of the brain associated with imagery and memory during both daydreaming and REM sleep, lending weight to the idea of shared neural mechanisms somewhere in the brain. 

Some researchers are now looking at “mind-wandering” as a continuum, with daydreaming representing a milder form of mind-wandering occurring in the waking state, while night dreams represent a more intense form. 

Active Imagination: Dreams as Imagination at Work

Dreams and imagination essentially share the same brain space. In fact, a dream is essentially your imagination at work while the conscious side of your brain rests. Therefore, you can use your imagination to actively reenter, add to, or alter your dreams, and your mind won’t know the difference.

For instance, if you don’t like the way a dream ends, imagine it turning out better.

“Active imagination” is basi­cally the same as “creative visualization.” It’s the same process with different terminology depending on if it’s used with a dream or with something from your waking life.

Active imagination was popularized by Carl Jung and his students and is a commonly recommended technique not only for working with dreams, but any area of life. It is used today as creative visualization in athletics to visualize game-winning performance, or in sales strategy to visualize a sale being made, two of many examples of practical application of the technique.

Imagination is the Conscious Counterpart of Dreams

I learned that some people have this ability naturally, such as lucid dreamers.  I recently learned that one of my cousins is a lucid dreamer; when she doesn’t like the direction of a dream, she simply changes it! I also dream lucidly, but as an observer, rather than an active participant. Nevertheless, lucid dreaming encourages me to take action in the physical world, rather than in the dream itself. In the end, the call to action was accepted.

Note: In order to use this technique, it’s best to work with a qualified therapist, who will provide any necessary support.  The technique should be avoided when working with someone who is less psychologically sound or emotionally fragile.

When engaging with dream characters using active imagination, remember to engage your dream characters in conversation – you can’t know what they know unless you ask!

When dream characters transform before your eyes, they are show­ing you what they really are, what they symbolize. For example, a big monster that turns into a mouse when confronted might symbolize how small causes are often behind big fears.

Active imagination often involves engaging in conversation with dream characters, questioning them about their roles and pumping them for information. It only works if you are willing to wait patiently for a response and listen when it comes. When working with your dreams, leave behind your impatience, frus­tration, guilt, preconceived ideas and excuses; allow yourself to be open to what your unconscious is trying to tell you.

You can also use your imagination to alter disturbing scenes, which is a technique employed for people suffering with PTSD and anxiety.

According to Jungian psychologist Robert A. Johnson, the unconscious mind has two means of communicating with its conscious counterpart: dreams and imagination. Therefore, you can use your imagination to gain the same benefits as dreaming.

Jung’s student Robert A. Johnson wrote a popular book titled Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth. I highly recommend it if you’d like to know more about the subject.