Sleep, Consciousness, and Non-Ordinary States: From Culture to Neuroscience
Wednesday: December 11, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Online Via ZOOM
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30
Presented by Danny Lewin
This talk will take a deep dive into recent applied science on changes in consciousness during sleep, meditation, and non-ordinary states associated with psychedelics. All of these states have direct links to mental health and well-being. Cultural and historical definitions of sleep have varied greatly, and recent advances in neuroscience and sleep health provide important insights into this essential behavior as a window into consciousness and optimal mental and physical health. A review of the history and diversity of scientific, cultural, and spiritual understanding of sleep as well as meditative and non-ordinary states will be followed by discussion of optimal sleep, sleep disorders, meditation, and recent advances in therapeutic use of psychedelics and plant medicine. Sleep and dreams will be discussed in the context of other consciousness states.