Alternate dimensions and the multiverse are science fiction concepts that have seemingly taken over pop culture through comics, movies, and TV shows. However, as with most good science fiction, these concepts seem to have somewhat of a scientific basis. Dr. David Leong, for instance, now claims dreams may be access points for alternate dimensions.
Leong, an academic who specializes in metaphysics and epistemology has even claimed that “dreams may be windows into distinct realities governed by their laws, in which the mind, unfettered by the constraints of wakefulness, can explore and interact with new forms of existence.”
Although these claims might sound like a Marvel movie plot line, Leong has built his hypothesis on a theory called the many-worlds interpretation (MWI) of quantum theory.
The MWI of quantum theory basically states that every decision or event that occurs creates branching alternate dimensions, which in turn creates an infinite number of parallel universes.
Leong’s theory uses this interpretation of quantum theory to speculate that sleep limits both our physical senses and rational minds, and this gives our consciousness the ability to bypass the boundaries of space and time.
It is important to say that scientific studies do not currently support Leong’s vision, but his theory claims that our dreams are gateways to other versions of ourselves in alternate dimensions.
Leong suggests there are attributes in the quantum world that could potentially support his theory. For instance, he explains that, in our everyday world, objects have definite properties such as position or speed, but these properties are not as straightforward in the quantum world.
The simple act of observing an object can change how it behaves in the quantum world, thanks to something called the observed effect. Indeed, at a quantum level, reality seems to shift based on how an individual interacts with it.
Leong’s theory on dreams builds on the Nobel prize-winning research by physicists Alain Aspect and John F. Clauser, who challenged the belief that objects exist independently of observation.
In other words, the physicists demonstrated that particles can instantly affect each other despite being separated by massive distances. This finding suggests that reality is not only interconnected but flexible.
Leong has used this research as the basis of his theory, in which he explores something he has called local and nonlocal consciousness. In his view, local consciousness is essentially our five senses, while nonlocal consciousness transcends our five senses and enables us to experience parallel realities.
Additionally, his hypothesis also states that not all dreams are portals to alternate dimensions, as under his theory, recurring dreams are most likely visits to these dimensions.
This means that dreams that are structured like a movie, with a beginning, middle, and end, or more surreal dreams are most likely your subconscious manifesting itself.
Theories about alternate dimensions are very captivating, but most run into the same issue, as they struggle to find empirical evidence to support them.
Concepts such as nonlocality are studied and are under constant scientific scrutiny, but no scientific studies state that dreams are portals to alternate dimensions. In fact, mainstream neuroscience and cognitive science have considered Leong’s hypothesis unscientific.
There are many theories as to what the purpose of dreams is. Some state they serve biological purposes for survival, while others argue they are a tool for organizing daily experiences. Sigmund Freud himself said dreams were more likely than not linked to the subconscious rather than being cosmic phenomena.
