Scientists are picking apart the brain to find out the meaning behind our dreams.

LISTEN ABOVE: Rachel Smalley talks to neurologist and author Melanie Boyer about why dreams are essential for the brain.

Research in the United States compared dreaming brains with unconscious brains - waking up tests subjects around 10 times per night.

Neurologist and author of the study Melanie Boyer told Rachel Smalley dreams are essential for the brain, even if we don't always remember them.

"The dream will be that part of the day where you can re-organise everything in light of what you've learned during the day."