FILM-RELATED WEBSITES
The Edge of Dreaming
The filmmaker's website features upcoming screening dates, information on the film crew and more.
The Brain and the Inner World: An Introduction to the Neuroscience of the Subjective Experience (New York: Other Press, 2002)
Mark Solms, who appears in The Edge of Dreaming, and Oliver Turnbull, a fellow neuropsychologists, describe their book as a "beginner's guide to the brain" and an exploration of "subjective mental life." The Brain and the Inner World examines the relationship between the mind and the brain while also delving into the world of dreams, hallucinations and neuro-psychoanalysis.
RESOURCES
Science of Dreaming
The Guardian: "Field of Dreams"
In this article, journalist Alok Jha uncovers research that offers some answers as to why humans spend years of their lives dreaming. (June 10, 2004)
Neuropsychiatry Reviews: "Exploring the Relationship between Sleep, Dreams and Memory"
In this report, Debra Hughes discusses research examining the relationship between sleep and dreaming and the effect this relationship has on the quality of memories. (September 2007)
Wired: "Freaky Sleep Paralysis: Being Awake in Your Nightmares"
Sleep paralysis, an actual medical condition in which one wakes up in the dream world, afflicts half the population, haunting many with cryptic hallucinations. Alexis Madrigal reports that scientists are finally beginning to figure out the neurological basis of the condition. (August 7, 2009)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep"
A fact sheet from the Institute gives an overview of sleep, sleep disorders and how dreaming works. (May 21, 2007)
The Mind at Night: The New Science of How and Why We Dream (New York: Basic Books, 2004)
Andrea Rock, a renowned medical and science reporter, colorfully documents the history of dream research from the 1950s up to present day and considers the major questions that remain open, such as how people dream and why; theories of animal dreaming; the nature of memory; and the neurological relationships between dreaming, mental illness and consciousness itself.
Dreaming: An Introduction to the Science of Sleep (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003)
Harvard psychiatry professor and sleep expert J. Allan Hobson explores the formal perceptual, cognitive and emotional qualities of dreams and enters into a chemical investigation of the facts of the psyche.
Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming (New York: Ballantine Books, 1990)
This book relies on Stephen LaBerge's laboratory work at Stanford University mapping mind/body relationships during the dream state and stands as a guide to gaining control over the subconscious.
Quantum Mind: The Edge Between Physics and Psychology (Portland, Ore.: Lao Tse Press, 2000)
Arnold Mindell explores principles found in psychology, math, physics and shamanism to link a cosmic perspective with ordinary life.
Dream Interpretation
The New York Times: "Should We Manipulate Our Dreams?"
Experts, including psychology professors, a professor of religion and more, discuss the place of nightmares and whether therapists should use "dream mastery," a technique where the patient can learn to control their dreams. Should nightmares be considered a problem or a resource? (August 1, 2010)
The New York Times: "A Dream Interpretation: Tuneups for the Brain"
This article delves into recent research surrounding the question of why people dream and whether dreams have any bearing on waking life. Journalist Benedict Carey discusses recent research on the weight of dreams. (November 9, 2009)
International Institute for Dream Research
A resource for those who want to understand dreams and dreaming, the website of the International Institute for Dream Research provides interpretations of dreams and article about dreaming. Website visitors can submit their own dreams and learn about dream interpretation.
International Association for the Study of Dreams
This nonprofit organization aims to study dreams and dreaming from a multidisciplinary perspective, and provides resources, including journals and publications, about the subject. An active discussion board about dreaming allows members to exchange information with each other and the "About Dreams" section on the website provides information a number of dream-related topics.
The Interpretation of Dreams (New York: Random House, 1978)
Sigmund Freud's seminal work outlines his theory of unconscious forces within the framework of dream analysis. Relying on dispassionate analysis of his own dreams, Freud introduces his concept of the id, the ego and the superego.
Nightmares: The Science and Solution of Those Frightening Visions During Sleep (Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2008)
Patrick McNamara explains what is known, what is suspected and what remains mysterious about nightmares.
Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self (Needham, Mass.: Moment Point Press, 2009)
Expert Robert Waggoner recounts his own adventure with lucid dreaming and provides tested techniques and personal dream experiences. He encourages the use of lucidity to navigate a deeper reality and a connection to self.
PBS/NPR
PBS
NOVA. "Dreams: Expert Q&A"
Harvard neuroscientist Robert Stickgold answers emailed questions about sleep and dreaming. (November 30, 2009)
NOVA. "The Sleep-Memory Connection"
This website explores the stages of a good night's sleep and the research linking sleep to memory.
NPR
Talk of the Nation "The Science Behind Dreams and Nightmares."
Sleep researchers estimate that nearly three quarters of dream emotions are negative. But what do nightmares actually mean? Guests Natalie Angier, science writer for The New York Times, and Kelly Bulkeley, a dream researcher at John F. Kennedy University, discuss the science behind nightmares and shed light on the murky field of dream interpretation and analysis. (October 30, 2007)