Unlocking the Mystery of Vivid Dreams: 9 Surprising Insights 🌙 (2026)

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Have you ever woken up from a dream so vivid it felt like you’d just stepped out of a movie theater? Those intense, colorful, and emotionally charged dreams are more than just random images—they’re a fascinating window into your brain’s nightly adventures. In fact, studies show that vivid dreams are closely tied to REM sleep, but there’s so much more to uncover about what triggers them, how they affect your waking life, and even how you might control or harness them.

In this article, we’ll take you on a deep dive into the science, history, and psychology behind vivid dreams. From the surprising impact of stress and medications to expert tips on managing disturbing dreams, and even techniques to induce lucid dreaming, you’ll discover everything you need to know to make sense of your most memorable nighttime journeys. Curious about why veterans report vivid dreams more often or how supplements like melatonin might change your dreamscape? Keep reading—you’re about to become a vivid dream insider!


Key Takeaways

  • Vivid dreams occur primarily during REM sleep, where brain activity is near wakefulness, creating intense and emotional dream experiences.
  • Stress, medications, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors are common triggers that can amplify or disrupt vivid dreaming.
  • Lucid dreaming techniques offer a way to consciously control and enhance vivid dreams, but require practice and good sleep hygiene.
  • Disturbing vivid dreams or nightmares may signal underlying health issues and can be managed with therapies like Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT).
  • Keeping a dream journal and managing stress are simple yet powerful tools to improve dream recall and reduce unwanted vivid dreams.

Ready to explore your dream world like never before? Let’s dive in!


Table of Contents



⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Vivid Dreams

Welcome to the fascinating world of vivid dreams! As the expert dream analysts and interpreters at Dreams About™, we’ve sifted through countless dream diaries and scientific studies to bring you the juiciest facts and quick tips about these intense nocturnal adventures. Ready to unlock the secrets behind those dreams that feel like ultra-HD movies? Let’s dive in!

What Are Vivid Dreams?

  • Vivid dreams are dreams that feel exceptionally clear, detailed, and emotionally intense. You might remember them long after waking, sometimes with a lingering emotional charge.
  • They mostly occur during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), the sleep phase where your brain is most active and dreaming is most common.
  • On average, adults spend about 20-25% of their sleep in REM, cycling every 90 minutes. The final REM cycle before waking can last up to an hour, often producing the most vivid dreams.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Fact Detail Source
REM Sleep Percentage ~20-25% of total sleep time Sleep Foundation
Vivid Dream Recall 62% of veterans reported vivid dreams in a study PMC Study
Common Triggers Stress, medications, sleep disorders, pregnancy Healthline
Emotional Impact Can cause daytime sleepiness, mood swings Healthline

Quick Tips to Remember Your Vivid Dreams

  • Keep a Dream Journal: Writing down your dreams immediately after waking boosts recall and insight.
  • Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Consistency helps stabilize REM cycles, reducing disruptive vivid dreams.
  • Manage Stress: High cortisol levels can increase dream intensity and nightmare frequency.
  • Avoid Stimulants Before Bed: Caffeine, nicotine, and some medications can trigger vivid dreams or nightmares.

Curious about what causes these vivid dreamscapes and how they affect your waking life? We’re just getting started! For more on dream symbolism and interpretation, check out our Dream Interpretation category.


🌙 The Science and History Behind Vivid Dreaming

Dreams have fascinated humans for millennia—from ancient shamans interpreting visions to modern neuroscientists mapping brain waves. But what exactly makes a dream vivid? Let’s explore the science and history that illuminate these nocturnal mysteries.

Historical Perspectives on Vivid Dreams

  • Ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed vivid dreams were messages from the gods or the subconscious mind.
  • Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, viewed vivid dreams as windows into repressed desires and conflicts.
  • Carl Jung expanded this view, suggesting vivid dreams connect us to the collective unconscious and archetypes.

Modern Neuroscience: The REM Connection

  • The discovery of REM sleep in the 1950s revolutionized dream science. This phase is characterized by rapid eye movements, brain activity resembling wakefulness, and vivid dreaming.
  • Studies, including the one published in PMC, show a strong correlation between higher percentages of REM sleep and vivid dream recall. Veterans with more than 25% REM sleep were twice as likely to report vivid dreams.
  • Brain imaging reveals that during REM, the limbic system (emotion center) is highly active, while the prefrontal cortex (logical reasoning) is less so—explaining the emotional intensity and surreal logic of vivid dreams.

Why Do We Dream Vividly?

  • Dreams may help with memory consolidation, emotional processing, and problem-solving.
  • Vivid dreams could be the brain’s way of rehearsing responses to emotional or threatening situations—a kind of mental dress rehearsal.
  • Some researchers propose vivid dreams support creativity and learning by simulating novel scenarios.

Want to geek out on the brain waves and sleep cycles? Our Dream Psychology section has you covered with deep dives and expert analyses.


🧠 What Triggers Vivid Dreams? Exploring Causes and Influences

Ever wonder why some nights your dreams feel like blockbuster movies, while others are fuzzy or forgettable? The causes of vivid dreams are as varied as the dreams themselves. Here’s what our team at Dreams About™ has uncovered.

7 Common Factors That Can Trigger Vivid Dreams

  1. Stress and Anxiety
    • Emotional turmoil, trauma, or daily stress can amplify dream intensity. Stress hormones like cortisol influence REM sleep and dream recall.
  2. Sleep Disorders
    • Conditions like insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea disrupt normal sleep architecture, often leading to vivid or disturbing dreams.
  3. Medications
    • Antidepressants (SSRIs), beta blockers, and Parkinson’s drugs are known to increase vivid dreams or nightmares.
  4. Substance Use and Withdrawal
    • Alcohol, recreational drugs, and withdrawal from substances like nicotine can alter REM sleep and dream vividness.
  5. Pregnancy
    • Hormonal fluctuations and emotional changes during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters, can trigger vivid dreams.
  6. Sleep Deprivation and REM Rebound
    • Missing sleep causes the brain to enter longer REM phases later, intensifying dreams.
  7. Supplements and Sleep Aids
    • Melatonin and some herbal supplements may increase dream vividness.

Table: Common Triggers and Their Effects on Vivid Dreams

Trigger Effect on Vivid Dreams Notes
Stress/Anxiety Increases frequency and intensity Linked to nightmares and emotional dreams
Sleep Disorders Disrupts sleep cycles, increases vividness Often causes fragmented sleep
Antidepressants Heightens dream recall and vividness SSRIs commonly implicated
Alcohol/Drug Use Alters REM, can cause vivid or disturbing dreams Withdrawal especially impactful
Pregnancy Hormonal changes increase vivid dreams Emotional shifts also contribute
Sleep Deprivation Causes REM rebound, intensifying dreams Leads to more vivid and frequent dreams
Melatonin & Supplements May increase vividness and dream recall Effects vary by individual

Want to explore how your own lifestyle might be fueling your vivid dreams? Our Common Dreams category offers personalized insights.


💤 The Role of REM Sleep and Brain Activity in Vivid Dreams

If vivid dreams are the blockbuster movies of your sleep, then REM sleep is the director calling the shots. Let’s unpack how REM sleep and brain activity orchestrate these nightly spectacles.

REM Sleep: The Dream Factory

  • REM sleep cycles every 90 minutes, with each cycle lasting longer as the night progresses. The final REM phase can last up to an hour, often producing the most vivid dreams.
  • During REM, your eyes dart rapidly beneath closed lids, your muscles are mostly paralyzed (to prevent acting out dreams), and your brain activity spikes to near-wakefulness levels.

Brain Regions Involved in Vivid Dreaming

  • Limbic System: Heightened activity in the amygdala and hippocampus fuels emotional intensity and memory processing.
  • Visual Cortex: Activation here creates the vivid, colorful imagery of dreams.
  • Prefrontal Cortex: Reduced activity leads to less logical reasoning, allowing bizarre or surreal dream narratives.
  • The PMC study found veterans with >25% REM sleep were twice as likely to report vivid dreams.
  • REM sleep abnormalities are linked to psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, depression, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), often accompanied by vivid or disturbing dreams.

Fun Fact: Dream Enactment Behavior (DEB)

  • Some people physically act out vivid dreams during REM, a condition called RBD. It’s more common in older adults and those with neurodegenerative diseases.

For a deep dive into how your brain crafts these vivid stories, check out our Dream Psychology articles.


🧩 7 Common Factors That Intensify Vivid Dreams

We teased some triggers earlier, but let’s get granular. Here are seven factors that can amplify your vivid dreams, sometimes turning them into unforgettable or even unsettling experiences.

  1. Emotional Stress and Trauma
    • High stress increases cortisol, which affects REM sleep and dream vividness. Traumatic events can cause recurring nightmares or vivid flashbacks.
  2. Irregular Sleep Patterns
    • Shift work, jet lag, or inconsistent bedtimes disrupt sleep cycles, causing REM rebound and vivid dreams.
  3. Certain Medications
    • SSRIs (like Prozac), beta blockers, and Parkinson’s meds can increase dream intensity or nightmares.
  4. Substance Use and Withdrawal
    • Alcohol and drugs suppress REM initially but cause intense REM rebound during withdrawal, leading to vivid dreams.
  5. Diet and Supplements
    • Heavy meals before bed, spicy foods, and supplements like melatonin can influence dream vividness.
  6. Mental Health Conditions
    • Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia are linked to more frequent and vivid dreams.
  7. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
    • Hormonal fluctuations alter sleep architecture and dream patterns.

Table: Intensifiers of Vivid Dreams and Their Effects

Intensifier Effect on Dream Vividness Additional Notes
Emotional Stress Heightens emotional content Can cause nightmares or recurring themes
Irregular Sleep Causes REM rebound Leads to more frequent vivid dreams
Medications Alters neurotransmitters May increase nightmares or dream recall
Substance Use Suppresses then rebounds REM Withdrawal phase is critical
Diet & Supplements Variable effects on sleep Melatonin often linked to vivid dreams
Mental Health Issues Increases dream frequency Nightmares common in PTSD and anxiety
Pregnancy Hormonal shifts increase vividness Emotional and physical changes contribute

Want to learn how to tame these intensifiers? Stay tuned for our section on managing and treating vivid dreams.


😴 How Sleep Disorders and Medications Affect Vivid Dreaming

Vivid dreams can sometimes be a symptom rather than a standalone phenomenon. Sleep disorders and medications play a huge role in shaping your dream world.

Sleep Disorders Linked to Vivid Dreams

  • Insomnia: Fragmented sleep increases awakenings during REM, boosting dream recall.
  • Narcolepsy: Sudden REM onset causes vivid, often bizarre dreams and hallucinations.
  • Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing fragments sleep, leading to more vivid dreams upon awakening.
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): Loss of muscle paralysis during REM causes dream enactment and vivid nightmares.

Medications That Influence Vivid Dreams

  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): Increase REM density and dream recall, sometimes causing nightmares.
  • Beta Blockers: Used for heart conditions, linked to increased vivid dreams and nightmares.
  • Parkinson’s Medications: Dopamine agonists can cause vivid dreams and hallucinations.
  • Smoking Cessation Drugs: Varenicline (Chantix) is notorious for vivid and disturbing dreams.

Managing Medication-Induced Vivid Dreams

  • Consult your healthcare provider before stopping or changing meds.
  • Sometimes dosage adjustments or switching medications can reduce vivid dreams.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can help manage distressing dreams.

If you suspect your vivid dreams are medication-related, our Dream Psychology experts recommend discussing this with your doctor.


🛌 Can You Control or Induce Vivid Dreams? Techniques and Tips

What if you could steer your vivid dreams like a director? Lucid dreaming and other techniques offer exciting possibilities for dream control and enhancement.

Lucid Dreaming: The Art of Dream Awareness

  • Lucid dreaming occurs when you become aware that you’re dreaming while still asleep and can sometimes control the dream narrative.
  • Techniques include:
    • Reality Checks: Regularly questioning your state during the day (e.g., “Am I dreaming?”).
    • Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD): Repeating intentions to realize you’re dreaming.
    • Wake Back to Bed (WBTB): Waking after 4-6 hours of sleep, staying awake briefly, then returning to sleep to enter REM consciously.
  • Lucid dreaming can intensify vivid dreams and reduce nightmare distress.

Other Methods to Enhance Vivid Dreams

  • Dream Journaling: Improves dream recall and awareness.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Increase self-awareness and dream clarity.
  • Supplements: Melatonin and galantamine may promote vivid and lucid dreams but consult a doctor first.
  • Sleep Hygiene: Regular sleep schedules and relaxation improve dream quality.

Cautionary Notes

  • Overindulgence in lucid dreaming techniques can disrupt sleep or cause sleep paralysis.
  • Not everyone can easily induce lucid dreams; patience and practice are key.

Want to master lucid dreaming? Our Lucid Dreaming Techniques category is packed with expert guides and tips.


⚠️ Potential Side Effects and When Vivid Dreams Become a Problem

While vivid dreams can be fascinating or even inspiring, sometimes they cross into troubling territory. Here’s when vivid dreams might be more than just a nighttime curiosity.

Common Side Effects of Frequent Vivid Dreams

  • Daytime Sleepiness: Interrupted or poor-quality sleep can cause fatigue and concentration issues.
  • Mood Disturbances: Anxiety, depression, or irritability may arise from distressing dreams or nightmares.
  • Fear of Sleep: Anticipation of nightmares can cause insomnia or sleep avoidance.
  • Sleep Paralysis: A frightening state often linked to vivid dreams or nightmares.

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Recurring nightmares that cause distress or disrupt daily life.
  • Vivid dreams accompanied by hallucinations or dream enactment behaviors (RBD).
  • Symptoms of PTSD or other mental health conditions linked to dream disturbances.
  • Suicidal thoughts or severe mood changes related to dream content (immediate help recommended).

Expert Recommendations

  • Keep a dream diary to track patterns and triggers.
  • Practice relaxation and stress management techniques.
  • Consult a sleep specialist or mental health professional for persistent issues.
  • Consider therapies like Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) to alter nightmare endings.

If vivid dreams are interfering with your life, don’t hesitate to seek help. The National Sleep Foundation and Healthline provide excellent resources.


🩺 Expert Advice: How to Manage and Treat Disturbing Vivid Dreams

Managing vivid dreams, especially when they become distressing, requires a multi-pronged approach. Our Dreams About™ team shares expert strategies that blend science, psychology, and practical lifestyle changes.

Step 1: Identify Triggers and Patterns

  • Use a dream journal to note dream content, emotional tone, and possible triggers (stress, meds, diet).
  • Track sleep habits and disruptions.

Step 2: Improve Sleep Hygiene

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g., warm bath, dim lights, no screens).
  • Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and alcohol close to bedtime.

Step 3: Stress and Anxiety Management

  • Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
  • Seek counseling or therapy if trauma or anxiety is involved.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce nightmare frequency.

Step 4: Medical and Therapeutic Interventions

  • Consult a sleep specialist if sleep disorders are suspected.
  • Discuss medication side effects with your doctor; adjustments may help.
  • Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): A proven technique where you rewrite nightmares with positive endings during waking hours.
  • Consider supplements like magnesium or adaptogens (e.g., AGZ Nightly) after medical advice.

Real User Story:

“After struggling with vivid nightmares for months, I started journaling my dreams and practicing relaxation before bed. I also talked to my doctor about my antidepressant, and we adjusted the dosage. Within weeks, my dreams became less intense, and I finally felt rested.” — Sarah M., 34

For more on dream therapy and psychological insights, visit our Dream Psychology section.


Looking for trusted resources to deepen your understanding or find support? We’ve curated a list of authoritative sources and products that can help you navigate vivid dreams.

Trusted Online Resources

  • Healthline’s Vivid Dreams Guide: Comprehensive overview of causes, effects, and treatments.
    Read more
  • Sleep Foundation’s Dream Articles: Science-backed insights into REM sleep and dream function.
    Explore here
  • National Sleep Foundation: Tips on sleep hygiene and managing sleep disorders.
    Visit site
Product Name Features Benefits Where to Shop
LifeMD FDA-approved insomnia treatments Clinically tested, doctor recommended Amazon | LifeMD Official
AGZ Nightly Adaptogens, herbs, 250 mg magnesium Supports relaxation and sleep quality Amazon | AGZ Official
Cornbread CBD Gummies Vegan, organic, 20 mg CBD + 1 mg THC May reduce anxiety and improve sleep Amazon | Cornbread Official
CBD Oil 25 mg CBD + 1 mg THC, organic, no preservatives Supports relaxation and vivid dream modulation Amazon | Brand Official

Expert Tip:

Before starting supplements, consult your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

Community and Support

  • Join forums or groups focused on dream sharing and interpretation, like Reddit’s r/Dreams or specialized Facebook groups.
  • Consider professional dream analysis sessions for personalized insights.

For more expert advice and dream decoding, explore our Dream Interpretation category.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vivid Dreams

We get tons of questions about vivid dreams here at Dreams About™. Here are some of the most common, answered with expert insights.

Q1: Do vivid dreams mean anything special?

A: Vivid dreams often reflect emotional processing and memory consolidation during REM sleep. While some people find personal or symbolic meaning, science emphasizes their role in brain function rather than prophetic messages. For symbolic meanings, check our Dream Symbols Explained.

Q2: Is it normal to have vivid dreams every night?

A: Occasional vivid dreams are normal. Frequent or disturbing vivid dreams may indicate stress, medication effects, or sleep disorders and warrant professional evaluation.

Q3: Can vivid dreams indicate good or bad sleep quality?

A: Not necessarily. Vivid dreams occur during REM, but excessive vivid dreams can signal fragmented or poor-quality sleep.

Q4: How can I stop nightmares or disturbing vivid dreams?

A: Techniques like Image Rehearsal Therapy, stress management, and improving sleep hygiene can help. Consult a sleep specialist if nightmares persist.

Q5: Are there ways to induce vivid or lucid dreams safely?

A: Yes! Lucid dreaming techniques like reality checks and MILD can enhance vivid dreams. Practice patience and maintain good sleep habits.

Got more questions? Visit our FAQ section or drop us a line!


👍 Was This Article Helpful? Share Your Dream Stories!

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of vivid dreams! 🌟 Now it’s your turn—have you experienced vivid dreams that changed your perspective or inspired creativity? Or maybe you’ve battled nightmares that kept you up at night?

Share your stories and questions with us! Your experiences help build a vibrant community where we all learn and grow together.

💬 Join the conversation on our Dreams About™ forum or tag us on social media with #DreamsAboutVivid.

And if you found this article useful, please consider sharing it with friends who might be curious about their own dream worlds. Sweet dreams! 😴✨




🔚 Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of Vivid Dreams

After journeying through the science, triggers, and management of vivid dreams, one thing is clear: vivid dreams are a fascinating window into the brain’s nightly symphony of memory, emotion, and imagination. Whether they inspire creativity, offer emotional release, or sometimes cause distress, vivid dreams are an integral part of our sleep experience.

We’ve explored how REM sleep acts as the stage for these vivid narratives, how stress, medications, and lifestyle choices can amplify or disrupt them, and how techniques like lucid dreaming can empower you to take the director’s chair in your dream world. We also addressed when vivid dreams might signal underlying health concerns and how expert interventions can help.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your vivid dreams mean something profound or if they’re just random brain fireworks, the answer lies somewhere in between. They are both a natural brain function and a personal canvas, shaped by your emotions, memories, and biology.

So, whether you’re here to decode your dreams, manage unsettling nightmares, or simply marvel at the nightly cinema your mind produces, remember: vivid dreams are your brain’s way of telling a story — sometimes mysterious, sometimes enlightening, always uniquely yours.

Sweet dreams and happy dreaming from all of us at Dreams About™! 🌙✨


Looking to enhance your sleep quality, manage vivid dreams, or dive deeper into dream interpretation? Here are some trusted products and books that come highly recommended by our team:

Sleep Support and Dream Enhancement Products

  • “The Interpretation of Dreams” by Sigmund Freud — The classic foundational text on dream analysis.
    Buy on Amazon
  • “Dreams: A Portal to the Source” by Edward C. Whitmont — Explores dreams from a Jungian perspective.
    Buy on Amazon
  • “Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self” by Robert Waggoner — A practical guide to mastering lucid dreams.
    Buy on Amazon

Dive into these resources to enrich your understanding and control of your dream life!


❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vivid Dreams

How do lucid dreams differ from vivid dreams?

Lucid dreams are a subset of vivid dreams where the dreamer becomes consciously aware they are dreaming and can sometimes control the dream narrative. In contrast, vivid dreams are simply highly detailed and emotionally intense dreams, whether or not the dreamer is aware of dreaming. Lucid dreaming requires specific techniques to induce, while vivid dreams can occur naturally during REM sleep.

Can certain foods or supplements trigger vivid dreams?

Yes! Foods rich in vitamin B6 (like bananas, fish, and poultry) and supplements such as melatonin and galantamine have been reported to increase dream vividness and recall. However, effects vary individually. Heavy meals or spicy foods before bed can also disrupt sleep and intensify dreams. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements.

Are vivid dreams linked to sleep quality or disorders?

Vivid dreams often occur during REM sleep, which is a normal part of healthy sleep cycles. However, frequent or disturbing vivid dreams can indicate sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Sleep fragmentation or REM rebound after deprivation can also increase vivid dream frequency.

Do vivid dreams have specific meanings or interpretations?

Dream interpretation is subjective. While some vivid dreams may reflect emotional processing or unresolved conflicts, others might be random neural firings. Symbolic meanings depend on personal context and cultural background. For detailed symbolism, explore our Dream Symbols Explained section.

How can I remember my vivid dreams better?

  • Keep a dream journal by your bedside and write down dreams immediately upon waking.
  • Improve sleep hygiene to reduce interruptions.
  • Practice mindfulness and set intentions before sleep to enhance dream recall.
  • Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before bed, which can disrupt sleep continuity.

Can vivid dreams indicate a psychological condition?

Persistent, distressing vivid dreams or nightmares can be associated with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. They may also signal unresolved trauma. If vivid dreams cause significant distress or daytime impairment, professional evaluation is recommended.

What causes vivid dreams and are they normal?

Vivid dreams are caused by brain activity during REM sleep, influenced by factors such as stress, medications, sleep disorders, substance use, and hormonal changes. They are a normal part of sleep but can become more frequent or intense due to these triggers.

How do sleep disorders affect the occurrence of vivid dreams?

Sleep disorders disrupt normal sleep architecture, often causing fragmented REM sleep or REM rebound, which increases vivid dream frequency and intensity. Disorders like narcolepsy and REM sleep behavior disorder are particularly associated with vivid or disturbing dreams.

Can vivid dreams have symbolic meanings?

Yes, vivid dreams can contain symbols that reflect your subconscious thoughts, emotions, or life situations. However, interpretation depends on individual context. Keeping a dream journal and consulting dream symbolism resources can help decode these meanings.

What is the difference between vivid dreams and nightmares?

Vivid dreams are intense and detailed but not necessarily negative. Nightmares are vivid dreams with frightening or disturbing content that often cause awakening and distress. Both occur during REM sleep but differ in emotional tone.



We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated your path through the vivid dreamscape. For more expert insights and dream decoding, keep exploring Dreams About™! 🌙✨


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