Dr. Rahul Jandial, a leading neurosurgeon and author of ‘This is Why You Dream,’ reveals the vital role dreams play in our mental and emotional health. He discusses how dreaming is not just a side effect of sleep but a crucial process for our well-being. The conversation covers the therapeutic power of dreams in processing trauma and the profound connection between dreams and our waking lives. Jandial also explores the fascinating relationship between dreaming and final moments in life, highlighting the significance of presence with loved ones.
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insights INSIGHT
The Purpose of Sleep
We sleep to dream, evidenced by robust brain activity during sleep and the buildup of "sleep pressure".
Dreaming is a fundamental brain function, not simply rest, as shown by metabolic and electrical activity.
insights INSIGHT
Dream Pressure and Brain Networks
Sleep deprivation increases dream intensity and shifts dream timing, suggesting a buildup of dream pressure.
The dreaming brain prioritizes the imagination and limbic system, dampening the executive network's logic.
insights INSIGHT
Dreams and Trauma
Dreams can help process trauma and negative thoughts, acting as a "nocturnal therapist."
However, dreams can be a double-edged sword, sometimes exacerbating negative emotions like PTSD nightmares.
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What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life
Rahul Jandial
This Is Why You Dream delves into the landscape of the subconscious, explaining why humans have retained the ability to dream across millennia. The book, written by dual-trained neuroscientist and neurosurgeon Dr. Rahul Jandial, discusses how dreaming fortifies emotional regulation, processes and stores memories, amplifies creativity, and promotes learning. It also covers how dreams can be used to practice real-life skills through lucid dreaming, rewrite nightmares, and monitor signs of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The book is praised for its accessible explanation of complex brain science and its potential to transform our understanding and use of dreams in both sleeping and waking lives.
Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered about its meaning? Or perhaps questioned the purpose of dreaming altogether?
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today's clip is from episode 458 of the podcast with one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons and author of ‘This is Why You Dream’, Dr Rahul Jandial.
Rahul’s belief is that we sleep in order to dream. In this clip, we explore why we dream and what our sleeping brain reveals about our waking life.
Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/458
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
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