Short answers, pulled from the story.
Babylonian scribes recorded dream omens in texts like Iškar Zaqīqu that listed specific scenarios and predicted outcomes for those who experienced them. These documents dictated actions based on dream content during ancient times.
Science published an Aserinsky and Kleitman paper establishing REM sleep as distinct on the 1st of January 1953. Many studies since then have focused on measurable REM sleep rather than actual dream phenomena.
Hindu Mandukya Upanishad texts written before 300 BCE describe dreams as one of three states experienced by the soul alongside waking life and deep sleep without dreaming. Early Upanishads emphasize that dreams express inner desires or show the soul leaving the body until awakening.
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream about seven lean cows swallowing seven fat cows predicting seven years of plenty followed by famine. Ancient Hebrews connected dreams heavily with monotheistic religion believing they were the voice of one God alone.
Psychologist Keith Hearne successfully recorded communication from a dreamer experiencing lucid dreaming on the 12th of April 1975. Subject Alan Worsley agreed to move his eyes left and right upon becoming lucid after establishing eye movement signals as verification methods.