Dreaming and Problem-Solving

I’ve been struck by how many news reports there have recently been on the subject of mental naps improving problem-solving. We know great problem-solving and creativity can be brought about in trance states, now we’re finding out more.

Daydreaming helps to activate the problem-solving part of the brain. Ironically, the less aware we are of the daydreaming, the better it helps out. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30725958)

“When you daydream, you may not be achieving your immediate goal – say reading a book or paying attention in class – but your mind may be taking that time to address more important questions in your life, such as advancing your career or personal relationships”.

(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153189.php)

REM sleep enhances activity of associative networks, improving creativity. “For new problems, only REM sleep enhances creativity.” For problems we’ve already been working on, time is enough to come up with a solution.

The abstract is available at http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/06/05/0900271106.abstract .

Both papers came from PNAS. Maybe a special? I’ll get back to my uh, research. Zzz.