Evans, C. (1983). In Evans, D. (ed.). Landscapes of the night: How and why we dream. New York City: The Viking Press.

OVERVIEW

Evans purports that the mind is like a computer and that sleep is needed in order to "file programs" that have been learned throughout the day. The result of this filing is dreams.

He describes three prevalent theories on human sleep. He shows that each theory is based on extensive experimentation, yet he also illustrates how each group fails to explain certain questions essential to determining why and how people dream.

Next, he presents scientific data relating to sleep and sleep deprivation. Offered with this data are other data on dreaming, a common partner to sleep research.

These studies lead him to propose a new theory about the brain and its relation to dreams. He notes through this research that humans need sleep and need to dream. When deprived of sleep, people begin to hallucinate (experience waking dreams), and they start to experience mental breakdown. When people are not deprived of all sleep, but are deprived of dreaming sleep, the same occurs. Then, one "makes up" dream time when he or she next has uninterrupted sleep.

Evans contemplates how a computer works. When programs must be rewritten or updated, a computer is often taken "off-line" so that it can be modified without changing other programs. Evans equates this process with sleep in humans. When we sleep, our brains are "off-line," not accepting outside input. During that time, the brain sorts through information gathered during the day and processes or "files" it appropriately in short- or long-term memory. The dreams one remembers are the bits of this process that seep into our conscious minds, usually in the process of waking.

After proposing his idea, Evans "troubleshoots" possible problems. He suggests that his theory answers the principal questions of how and why we sleep/dream, but he also realizes that, as new material emerges, his theory will be adjusted.

Evans agrees that, in dreams, one can work through problems and gain solutions. He approaches the supernatural from the perspective of the paranormal and disregards any "psychic" possibilities of dreams.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What do you think about the author’s analogy of the mind being like a computer? What do you think about his suggestion that sleep allows one to "file" programs previously gathered?
2. How can this information help someone working with a young person trying to understand his or her dreams?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Dreams may be the result of one’s subconscious mind working through and assimilating information in ways that one’s logical, conscious mind is not capable of doing.
2. Dreams may be useful in solving problems. As the mind sorts new information and conflicts, fresh combinations may emerge.
3. Records of dreams may be useful in determining patterns for personal growth. When reviewing dreams, one can recognize consistent patterns. These patterns may reveal hidden conflicts needing resolution.