Dream Catcher

In some instances, the waking mind functions in service to REM sleep information processing requirements.

Dreaming

REM Sleep, the Default Mode Network, and Behavioral Modernity

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on July 12, 2021

Why did cultural creativity among our ancestors really take off after they interacted with Neanderthals 50,000 years ago?

Why did cultural creativity among our ancestors really take off after they interacted with Neanderthals 50,000 years ago?

Dream images have captured the deepest spiritual longings of peoples for many thousands of years.

How to bypass the subjective nature of dream reports in dream-related psi experiments.

Sleep

The Human Self-Domestication Hypothesis and Human Sleep

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on January 9, 2021

The evolution of human sleep was shaped by a trend toward reduced aggressivity and an increase in pro-sociality.

The evolution of human sleep was shaped by a trend toward reduced aggressivity and an increase in pro-sociality.

Dreaming

Dreams and Purpose

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on November 19, 2020

The records of history are replete with people who were given their life's purpose in a dream.

The records of history are replete with people who were given their life's purpose in a dream.

REM dreaming is key to understanding the simulation hypothesis.

Sleep

The Social Nature of Sleep

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on August 29, 2020

The power of sleep manifest when sleeping socially.

The power of sleep manifest when sleeping socially.

Sleep

Sleep and Academic Performance

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on August 29, 2020

Consistent sleep schedules are key for optimal cognitive performance.

Consistent sleep schedules are key for optimal cognitive performance.

Terror Management Theory

Terror Management Theory (TMT) and REM Sleep

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on July 5, 2020

Terror Management Theory (TMT) is supported by a rich body of experimental evidence. REM sleep and dreams may be crucial tools in building defenses against death anxiety.

Terror Management Theory (TMT) is supported by a rich body of experimental evidence. REM sleep and dreams may be crucial tools in building defenses against death anxiety.

Sleep

Unanswered Questions Concerning Sleep Paralysis

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on June 10, 2020

Many patients with sleep paralysis consistently report one type of hallucination: "the intruder." But perhaps these are not hallucinations at all.

Many patients with sleep paralysis consistently report one type of hallucination: "the intruder." But perhaps these are not hallucinations at all.

It is difficult to verbalize intense feelings about COVID fears so children may use their dreams to express such feelings.

Dreaming

COVID-Inspired Dreams

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on April 4, 2020

Dream researchers have, in the past, studied "sentinel dreams" that can sometimes signal illness in otherwise asymptomatic people.

Dream researchers have, in the past, studied "sentinel dreams" that can sometimes signal illness in otherwise asymptomatic people.

Sleep

Sleep in the Battle Against the Coronovirus

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on March 8, 2020

In the battle against the coronovirus, in addition to social distancing and handwashing, get some sleep.

In the battle against the coronovirus, in addition to social distancing and handwashing, get some sleep.

Dreaming

The Unknown Unknowns and the Surrealists

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on January 22, 2020

The Surrealists did far more than simply attempt to paint their own dreams.

The Surrealists did far more than simply attempt to paint their own dreams.

Sleep

The Sleep-First-Then-Work Organization

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on December 21, 2019

Encouraging healthy sleep patterns in your workforce makes for happier workers and a healthier bottom line.

Encouraging healthy sleep patterns in your workforce makes for happier workers and a healthier bottom line.

Dreaming

On the Reality of Precognitive Dreams

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on November 3, 2019

What are the interesting questions concerning dreams that foretell the future?

What are the interesting questions concerning dreams that foretell the future?

We need to search out unusual dream experiences if we wish to understand the function of dreaming.

Dreaming

A Dream Within a Dream

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on September 26, 2019

The dream within a dream may be a hybrid sleep-wake state of consciousness.

The dream within a dream may be a hybrid sleep-wake state of consciousness.

Dreaming

Do Lucid Dreams Promote Creativity?

Patrick McNamara Ph.D. on August 2, 2019

Despite the burden of living with a chronic neurological disease, people with narcolepsy—who experience more frequent dreaming—are more creative than controls.

Despite the burden of living with a chronic neurological disease, people with narcolepsy—who experience more frequent dreaming—are more creative than controls.