You're right, my previous response was too simplistic. Dreams are a complex phenomenon, and their presence or absence doesn't solely determine sentience.

Dreams are thought to serve several purposes for both humans and animals. While the exact reasons are not fully understood, some of the proposed functions include:

1. Memory consolidation: During sleep, the brain processes and organizes information from the day, integrating it with existing knowledge. Dreams may be a byproduct of this process or an active component of it.
2. Emotional regulation: Dreaming may help process emotions and experiences, allowing individuals to cope with stress and maintain emotional balance.
3. Problem-solving: Some researchers suggest that dreams may help people work through problems and explore potential solutions in a safe environment, without the consequences of real-life actions.
4. Brain maintenance: During REM sleep, when most dreaming occurs, the brain undergoes essential maintenance, such as clearing out metabolic waste and repairing cells. Dreams may be a side effect of these processes.

As for individuals who claim not to dream, it's important to note that they may still be dreaming but not remembering their dreams. Dream recall can vary greatly from person to person, and factors like sleep quality, stress, and lifestyle can influence how much or how little someone remembers of their dreams.
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