Paris Brain Institute study finds dream-like states span wakefulness and sleep
Updated
Updated · Science X · May 1
Paris Brain Institute study finds dream-like states span wakefulness and sleep
8 articles · Updated · Science X · May 1
Published in Cell Reports, the research tracked 92 trained nappers with EEG and identified four mental states across wakefulness, sleep onset and light sleep.
The bizarre, dream-like state showed reduced long-range connectivity between frontal and occipital brain regions, suggesting vivid sensations can override lucid reasoning even while awake.
Researchers say the findings challenge conventional sleep-stage boundaries and could help explain paradoxical insomnia by adding mental content and objective markers to standard clinical measures.
If dream-like thinking can happen while awake, what untapped potential or risks might this reveal for creativity, mental health, or our understanding of consciousness?
Could learning to 'unplug' parts of your brain while awake unlock the same creative breakthroughs as dreams—and if so, how can you control it?