Might be apnea due to immature breathing centers in the brainstem. Maybe a defect that stalls the heart during sleep. Maybe direct blockage of the nose. Most people dream 4 or 5 times a night, but not all people remember their dreams. They are usually spaced about 90 minutes apart.
Alcohol suppresses REM sleep and sets up rebound effect.
Most theorists agree that dreams reflect our waking thoughts, fantasies, and emotions. Although, Many psychologists continue to believe that dreams have deeper meaning. In recent years the idea that dreams can only be interpreted by a professional has given way to acceptance of the personal nature of dream meanings. Freud's belief that Many dreams represent wish fulfillment, and conscience relaxes during sleep, allowing dreams to express unconscious desires and conflicts in disguised dream symbols. The Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley view that certain brain cells that normally control eye movements, balance, and actions are activated during REM sleep.