system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5:If dreams are random images and thoughts then why do we have recurring dreams?

Recurring dreams are almost the same. The main story line is always the same with slight variations to the story or additions such as continuation of the dream. Where does the randomness of thought and imagery fit in this? Thanks.
gpt
Dreams aren't random. One of the more popular theories explaining dreams is that dreams are compressed raw memory data. In essence, you form memories throughout the day and those memories are stored temporarily for the day. When you sleep, those memories are re-analyzed, condensed, and moved into a different part of your brain. Dreams are what you remember from the data transfer. It's like opening up a Word document in notepad (try it) it's all gibberish because the data isn't formatted properly. If you have recurring dreams, its most likely because you're having recurring experiences.