Do you often remember your dreams?

What was the last dream you can remember?

Today, let's welcome Dr. Rahul Jandial. Rahul is a dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist based at City of Hope in Los Angeles. He leads the Jandial Lab, which explores the intersection of neurobiology and cancer. Beyond his research, Dr. Jandial is dedicated to global health, performing pediatric neurosurgery in charity hospitals across South America and Eastern Europe. He is also the author of the book "This Is Why You Dream," which delves into the science and significance of dreaming.

Jay and Rahul explore the significance of dreams and their impact on our lives, and that the brain is highly active during sleep, generating as much electricity as when awake. This activity suggests that dreaming is not a passive process but an essential function for the brain, helping it process and rehearse experiences, emotions, and creativity.

There are common themes in dreams, such as nightmares, erotic dreams, and motifs like falling or being chased. Rahul highlights that these themes are linked to the brain's imaginative and emotional networks, which are more active during dreaming. Nightmares, for instance, play a crucial role in developing a sense of self and other in children, while in adults, they can indicate unresolved emotional issues or trauma. He also discusses the concept of lucid dreaming, where one becomes aware of dreaming and can exert some control over the dream narrative.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to enhance dream recall

How to induce lucid dreaming

How to utilize dreams for creative problem solving

How to reduce nightmare in children

How to cultivate positive morning thoughts

How to improve sleep quality for better dreams

Embrace the power of your dreams to boost creativity and emotional well-being. Take the first step tonight for a healthier, more vibrant tomorrow!

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro
03:05 Does Everyone Dream?
05:01 Why Do We Dream?
09:01 Dreams in a Scientific Perspective
13:30 Making Sense of a Dream
19:05 Sleep Entry
23:20 Erotic Dreams
29:02 Dreams Should Not be Neglected
32:09 Are We Meaning Makers?
37:02 Recurrent Dreams
38:36 Unwanted Recurrent Dream
42:11 Thoughts, Emotions, and Activities in the Brain Level
48:48 How Do You Explain Nightmares?
54:01 Task On
56:52 Sleep Exit
01:01:39 Cross Section of AI and Dreams
01:04:08 Can Dreams Predict the Future?
01:08:02 Mental Workspace in Uncertainty
01:12:58 Flashbacks vs PTSD
01:17:33 Lucid Dreaming
01:23:33 Can You Practice Lucid Dreaming?
01:25:15 The Right Approach to Understanding Dreams
01:47 The Dreaming Brain
01:33:34 When to Take a Nap
01:35:29 The Feeling of Falling While Asleep
01:37:35 Rahul on Final Five

Episode Resources:

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