What a great thread! :-D I don't know much about the scientific portion regarding dreaming, but I no doubt have damaged my brain through years of alcohol & drugs. However, I have the same dream experience now that I did when I was a child.

I generally remember my dreams 3-4 times a week, but let them fade fairly quickly if they don't interest me. Usually when I dream, I do not realize I am dreaming. However, I am able to actively think, plot & make decisions while dreaming, which might be why I never feel I have proper rest. My brain just keeps churning while I sleep. There have been occasions when I awoke confused as to whether something was just a dream or if it really happened.

As far as emotions, I definitely feel them when I dream & on occasion, they carry over into life. At other times, it's the opposite. I have feelings I can't identify while I'm awake, but I end up having a dream that spells it out for me.