This Is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life

by Rahul Jandial MD, PhD

Overview

AN AMAZON EDITORS' BEST BOOKS OF 2024 PICK

"Completely transformed my way of thinking about dreams." –Jay Shetty

Dreaming is one of the most underappreciated functions of the human brain, yet our very survival as a species depends on it. In This Is Why You Dream, dual-trained neuroscientist and neurosurgeon Dr. Rahul Jandial explores the landscape of our subconscious, tracing the latest cutting-edge dream research and brain science to show why humans have retained the ability to dream across millennia, and how we can now harness its wondrous powers to improve our sleeping and waking lives.

There's so much dreaming does for us. It fortifies our ability to regulate emotions. It stores memories, amplifies creativity, and promotes learning. It helps us process trauma and prepare for future upheaval. Dreams can even forecast future mental and physical ailments, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Dreams can also be put to use. Dr. Jandial walks you through how to use lucid dreaming to practice skills that translate into real-life improvements, how to rewrite nightmares, and what your dreams reveal about your deepest desires. Ultimately, This Is Why You Dream opens the door to one of our oldest and most vital functions, and unlocks its potential to radically transform our lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593655719
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Rahul Jandial, MD, PhD, is a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neuroscientist. He oversees the Jandial Lab at City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles, and through his nonprofit organization International Neurosurgical Children's Association (INCA), he performs and teaches brain surgery in underserved hospitals in Central and South America, southeast Asia, and eastern Europe. He is the author of several books, including the international bestseller Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon and Life on a Knife’s Edge.

Editorial Reviews

02/26/2024

In this ho-hum study, neurosurgeon Jandial (Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon) surveys the science of dreams. When preparing to dream, Jandial writes, the brain first paralyzes the body by releasing neurotransmitters that “effectively switch off motor neurons,” then the “Executive Network” (which is “responsible for logic, order, and reality testing”) turns off, and finally the “Imagination Network” (which is involved in introspection) activates. Discussing evolutionary theories for why humans dream, Jandial notes that some scientists believe dreams keep the brain active so it can more quickly awaken in case of an emergency, while others suggest that dreams allow humans to “rehearse” responses to negative events so they’re more prepared to face them in real life. Elsewhere, Jandial covers nightmares, lucid dreaming, and erotic dreams, the frequency of which depends on “how much of our waking life we spend daydreaming about erotic fantasies.” There’s some stimulating trivia sprinkled throughout (he notes studies from across the world that have repeatedly found falling, “being attacked or pursued,” and being in school are the most common dream themes), but Jandial has an unfortunate tendency to make claims without providing evidence, as when he asserts that “dreams follow rules” (“It’s extremely rare for objects to turn into people in our dreams,” for instance) without mentioning any supporting research. It’s a mixed bag. (Jun.)

Publishers Weekly

Dr. Jandial writes with verve and delivers powerful insights based on science, stories and his personal synthesis of big ideas. This book will change your life.” 
–Lewis Howes, author of The Greatness Mindset and host of The School of Greatness podcast

 "We spend an enormous portion of our lives in the doppelgänger state of dreaming – but commonly with little insight into why and how. Jandial elegantly lifts the curtains on the dreamscape territory, beautifully illuminating this universally shared experience."
–David Eagleman, neuroscientist at Standford, author of the New York Times bestseller Incognito and Livewired
 
"In his engaging and information-packed new book, Jandial enthusiastically explores the slumberous state, offering tips to help readers use dreams to reach their full potential around the clock... This Is Why You Dream is a fascinating, eye-opening dispatch from the world of neuroscience." –BookPage

“After several decades of reading and reviewing books on sleep and dreams, I think This Is Why You Dream is one of the best I’ve encountered. Rahul Jandial writes persuasively and with authority and imagination.”
–Richard Restak, neurologist and author of The Complete Guide to Memory
 
“An imaginative and mesmerizing exploration of our dreaming brains—a tour de force!”
–Dr. Q (Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD), Professor and Chair of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic
 
“How inspiring that dreaming keeps our imagination boundless. For anyone in the arts and creative spaces this is a must-read book and an instant classic!”
–Bryan Fogel, Oscar-winning filmmaker
 
“An important book. The writing is beautiful, the explanations are graspable, and the stories are revealing.”
–Julia Samuel, international bestselling author of Grief Works
 
“A rich and multifaceted exploration of dreams that offers valuable insights into ourselves, our relationships, and the human existence.”
–Sandy Nunez, Vice President of On-Air Talent Management for the NFL Network
 
“This is a remarkably bold and beautifully written book!”
–Melissa Barak, Artistic Director of Los Angeles Ballet
 
“Rahul Jandial’s insights and explanations about the dreaming brain can literally help unlock human potential in creativity, imagination, and health. A fascinating read!” 
–Tesa Aragones, president of AKQA and former Global Brand Marketing Director for Nike

“Rahul Jandial’s book This Is Why You Dream is illuminating and inspiring.  For any artist, it's a treasure of scientific insight into the creative process.”
–Michael Becker, Grammy-nominated musician

“Dr Jandial is a wonderful guide into the world of dreams – a deeply intriguing book!”
–Dr. Karan Rajan, author of This Book May Save Your Life
 
“As a photographer and musician, I found Rahul Jandial’s book, This Is Why You Dream illuminating and inspiring.  For any artist, it's a treasure of scientific insight into the creative process.”
–Michael Becker, Grammy-nominated musician

From the Publisher