Functions

Jung describes two functions of dreams: compensatory and prospective. The former is where the subconscious reveals to the conscious (in a dream) information that could not make it to the conscious during the day (or whenever you are awake). Freud talks about this particular function (compensatory, that is). The latter "is an anticipation in the unconscious of future conscious achievements...like a preliminary exercise or sketch, or a plan roughed out in advance" (41).

That is a rather interesting thing to know that the brain is actually doing work while you sleep. I don't mean just stringing bits of memory and images together and fulfilling a wish, but also working through outcomes and plans as well. Actually I think I have something, consider the following: the subconscious picks up information as you live your life: problems, information, feelings, and so on. Then, as a part of the prospective function in dreams, the subconscious works out stuff like how to fix a problem in your life, or what might happen if you did so and so tomorrow at school. If the subconscious works out something or plans something, then it might remain during the next day. Considering that the subconscious can influence the conscious, then the solution or plan the subconscious made influences how you act the next day. In short, the subconscious works out your immediate life for you during dreams.

So, the saying, "sleep on it," when you have a hard time answering a question, could be quite literal. In the event that you encounter a huge problem that you can't figure out, perhaps, you could let it be...not give it any conscious thought and simply sleep. And when you get to the next day, your subconscious may have worked out a decision and well you know the rest: you make your decision (probably under the influence of the subconscious's nocturnal work).