Natalie Angier, author of "In the Dreamscape of Nightmares, Clues to Why We Dream at All" during a NPR interview on October 30th , 2007.
Interesting stuff. I heard this interview today and was fascinated by how well Natalie's observations fit into the concept of 'Virtual Dreaming'. By closing our eyes, relaxing, and visualizing a scenario we are simulating the dream experience as our secondary visual cortex remain active. This is similar to what occurs in the dream state. This is not a theory but fact.
What we do here is enhance the listener's ability to fall asleep through audio sleep-aids that utilize Alpha (relaxation) brainwave inducing sounds (ocean waves, thunderstorms, etc. ) with Theta (daydream) brainwave inducing visualization scenarios that, through the use of audio effects, place the listener in a virtually real environment. All the sleeper has to do is visualize. This also makes our recordings more potent with every listen. Why? Because when you already know the sequence of events that occur in a virtual dream your ability to anticipate the upcoming visualization is enhanced significantly. You will find that by the third or forth listen your secondary visual cortex will be working almost independently of your conscious mind.
