this is why you dream,
by Rahul Jandial

For the absolute life of me, I cannot sit down and read a non-fiction book. My brain turns to mashed potato and I get the overwhelming urge to settle in for a nap, so instead, whenever the urge to consume content that is non-fiction strikes me, I read it as an audiobook. Yes, audiobooks are books and I refuse to listen to anyone who says that it “doesn’t count” if you listen to a book on Spotify or Audible.

Anyway, ever since I was in high school I’ve always been really interested in psychology, specifically dreams. So when a friend recommended this book to me, I was quick to download it. This Is Why You Dream is written by the neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, Rahul Jandial. In each of its chapters is a different focus on the purpose of dreams and how they contribute to our lives.

From why children have nightmares (and how these evolve into adulthood) to the impacts of keeping a dream journal, Jandial’s descriptions of why we dream were palatable for someone who isn’t a MD and PHD, while still helping me to feel like I was actually reading something smart.

I have a particular interest in the chapter in which Jandial describes how using lucid dreaming could help people to practice skills and strengthen neural pathways, thus contributing to their abilities when awake. He explains that even when we are sleeping, our brain is using the same connections – when we dream of running, the same parts of our brain light up as when we are actually running. So, same with people who have injured their shoulder or ankle – lucid dreaming could provide an avenue in which they can still practice sports or exercises that will help to keep those pathways active, but without the risk of injury. How cool! As someone who also often has very realistic nightmares, I also found the chapters on childrens’ dreams and nightmares very interesting.

Overall, this was a really enlightening read. I feel like I learned a lot and now have plenty to think (and dream!) about.