The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 533. Dreams, Nightmares, and Neuroscience | Dr. Baland Jalal
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Mar 27, 2025 
In this discussion with Dr. Baland Jalal, a leading neuroscientist and expert on sleep paralysis from Harvard, fascinating insights emerge on the science of dreams and nightmares. They explore how the brain processes emotions during REM sleep and the potential connections between dreams and mystical experiences. Jalal also delves into the cultural narratives surrounding sleep paralysis, revealing how different societies perceive and cope with fear. Additionally, they touch on the rubber hand illusion and its implications for our understanding of embodiment and identity.
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Embodiment and Ownership
- The rubber hand illusion demonstrates how quickly the brain can incorporate external objects into the body image.
- This embodiment extends to inanimate objects, blurring the lines of self and ownership.
OCD and the Rubber Hand Illusion
- People with OCD, who have a rigid sense of self, experience the rubber hand illusion more intensely.
- The illusion requires synchronous stroking; random stroking does not produce the same effect.
Rubber Hand Illusion in the Air
- Dr. Jalal and Rich Pagnale performed the rubber hand illusion in the air.
- The subject felt their hand floating, demonstrating the illusion's power.