logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2022
32m 48s

Living in a Dream World

CNN
About this episode

Although we don’t remember most of them, we spend about two hours every night dreaming. Some dreams are similar, others are scary, or anxiety inducing. But while dreams can transport us to places we could never experience in our waking lives, do they have a purpose? On this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to neuroscientist and dream expert, Sidarta Ribeiro, about the importance of dreaming, what goes on in our bodies while we’re dreaming, and how to take control of our dream world. Plus, Ribeiro shares why he believes we all should start sharing our dreams with others. 

To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Today
Why Are So Many Young People Getting Cancer?
Cancer used to be something you worried about later in life — but not anymore. More and more young adults are being diagnosed, and doctors are trying to figure out why this is happening. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with oncologist Dr. Kimmie Ng about what’s behind this rise, why color ... Show More
29m 2s
Oct 7
Can Tiger Balm Help With Aches and Pains?
Does tiger balm, that intense-smelling ointment that we rub into our muscles to relieve aches and pains, actually do anything? We get to the bottom of that on this week’s Paging Doctor Gupta. Plus, can already being on an antibiotic protect you from someone else’s pneumonia? This ... Show More
15m 26s
Oct 3
Beyond the Headlines of MAHA With the FDA
Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Marty Makary, U.S. FDA Commissioner to dig beyond the headlines of this Administration’s latest efforts to “Make America Healthy Again.” This conversation took place on Friday, September 26th, 2025. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai, with a ... Show More
29m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Why do we dream With Mark Blagrove PhD
Whatever your dreams consist of, you’ve probably wondered where they come from and what they might be trying to tell you. Psychologists, too, have long studied the origin and purpose of dreams. Mark Blagrove, PhD, of Swansea University, talks about what we know – and don’t know – ... Show More
48m 37s
Apr 2024
Brain Surgeon REVEALS the PURPOSE of Dreams & What They TRULY Mean! | Dr. Rahul Jandial
Welcome to The School of Greatness! I'm your host, Lewis Howes, and today we're diving into the fascinating world of dreams with our guest, Dr. Rahul Jandial. Dr. Jandial is not only a renowned neurosurgeon but also a neuroscientist with a deep understanding of the human brain. I ... Show More
1h 29m
May 2023
88. The psychology of dreams
This week on the podcast we are breaking down the psychology of our dreams - why we dream, the role of our brain, what our dreams mean, repressed desires, nightmares and even the role of daydreaming for our mental wellbeing. If you've ever wondered about your weird dreams, some o ... Show More
37m 34s
Jun 2024
Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life with Brain Surgeon Dr Rahul Jandial #458
Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered about its meaning? Or perhaps questioned the purpose of dreaming altogether? It’s certainly a fascinating topic and one which I have never covered before on my podcast. This week, I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Rahul Jandia ... Show More
2h 10m
Apr 2024
Rahul Jandial: Lucid dreaming, divergent thinking, and erotic thoughts
What are you dreams trying to tell you about yourself? Neurosurgeon Rahul Jandial feels dreaming is a vital part of being human. In this chat with Fearne, Rahul explains that while our waking brain is generally ruled by the logical executive network... the dreaming brain liberate ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2023
Sleep and Dreams
In this episode of “Chasing Sleep,” Co-hosts Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro delve into the fascinating world of dreams to uncover what we know – and don't know – about what happens to our brains when we sleep. Katie and Adam reveal some of their own dreams to guest Justina Lasley, ... Show More
29m 18s
Feb 2024
Night Visions — Understand and Get More Out of Your Dreams
When you really stop to think about it, it’s an astonishing fact that we spend a third of our lives asleep. And part of that time, we’re dreaming. What goes on during this unconscious state that consumes so much of our lives, and how can we use our dreams to improve our waking ho ... Show More
42m 30s
Jun 2022
EP24: Oneironauts & Dream Tips
 Oneirology is the scientific study of dreams. Oneironautics refers to the ability to travel within a dream on a conscious basis. Such a traveler in a dream may be called an oneironaut. In this episode, two dream-loving podcasters talk about lucid dreams, sleep paralysis & everyt ... Show More
35m 56s
Nov 2023
NIGHTMARES: How do I stop awful dreams?
"The monsters that chase you in dreams are not trying to hurt you. They just want to reunite with their creator………...… that's you, dummy."   (Quoted from an unnamed Jungian analyst overheard at a cocktail party.)   Today, we analyze four nightmares submitted by listeners: BBQ Cat ... Show More
1h 15m