In Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal Dreams," the author explores the concept of how our subconscious struggles to keep pace with our waking experiences. When we embark on adventures or travel, our dreams often reflect a sense of longing for home, indicating that our minds take time to adjust to new realities. This emotional disconnect highlights a unique aspect of our consciousness that can sometimes feel out of sync.

Kingsolver likens this phenomenon to a form of "jet lag," where our sleeping selves take years to reconcile with our current state. Upon returning home, our dreams might then revisit places we once visited, suggesting that our inner selves are processing these experiences. The journey through sleep serves as a reminder of how deeply our experiences shape our thoughts and feelings over time.