CogNation
Dreams and Anaesthesia: Guest Pilleriin Sikka
Nov 26, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Pilleriin Sikka, a Stanford neuroscientist specializing in the therapeutic value of dreams under anesthesia, shares fascinating insights into consciousness and dreaming. She explores the intriguing ties between anesthetic-induced dreaming and PTSD treatment, uncovering how impactful dreams can help confront trauma. The conversation also dives into dream theories, revealing their evolutionary significance and emotional regulation roles, and highlights the generally euphoric nature of anesthesia-induced dreams, suggesting innovative therapeutic possibilities.
44:05
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Pilleriin Sikka's research reveals that dreams can occur during anesthesia, providing insights into consciousness and neural activity in altered states.
- The therapeutic potential of anesthetic-induced dreaming shows promise for alleviating trauma-related symptoms, suggesting effective treatment avenues for PTSD.
Deep dives
Exploration of Anesthetic-Induced Dreaming
The research focuses on anesthetic-induced intraoperative dreaming, examining how consciousness and dreaming can be studied during anesthesia. Pilarin Sika emphasizes the distinction between normal sleep dreams and dreams experienced under anesthesia, highlighting that dreams can occur even in deep sedation. This exploration could reveal unique insights into the nature of consciousness, as anesthesia may create a state where individuals are disconnected from their environment yet still engage in vivid dream experiences. The aim is to identify the neural correlates of these dreams, which could improve understanding of conscious experiences in contexts where patients cannot respond.
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