Our brains can solve problems while we sleep. This is how it works

When we sleep, the brain decreases the activity of some areas and increases the activity of others. For example, some of the functions normally performed by the prefrontal cortex sleep with us. This is our individuality, our emotionality, our ability to make decisions, our behavior that needs to be controlled - all this is asleep.

At night, the subconscious has the greatest room for different maneuvers. This is the time when it can function without obstacles. Let's consider how this process takes place and what needs to be done in order to have the strength and desire to deal with the problems that worry us so much in the morning.

How the brain solves problems while we sleep

While the mind is asleep, we are driven by the subconscious, analyzing the events that happened during the day and putting information in long-term memory. If there are any of our problems on its way, it will work on them too.

I believe in the subconscious activity of the brain. The brain works all the time, even when we are not aware of it. At night, the brain takes over what we thought about during the day. When I work on something for a long time, I definitely think about it before bed. The next morning, the results often surprise me.

Alexander Bell

We want to warn you: the problem will not be solved as if by magic immediately after waking up. In order for the subconscious to focus on what worries you, you need to think about it more often. It is then that it will begin to work with the information that was received by you during the day, and combine not entirely obvious facts, looking for a way out of the situation.

The work of the subconscious is well illustrated by an example from the fairy tale "Elves and the Shoemaker", where the poor shoemaker has the last and ugliest piece of fabric, and the elves come at night and turn it into a wonderful pair of shoes.

The solution to the problem or the direction in which you should move may somehow be reflected in your dreams. Pay attention to any thoughts that come to your mind as soon as you wake up. Just don't put it off for too long, otherwise they can disappear very quickly.

Our dreams, even though we have little or no power over them, are very helpful in solving current problems. This is because we see them when we are in REM sleep called REM sleep.

In 2002, a study was conducted in which participants were asked to solve anagrams immediately upon awakening. Some of the subjects were awakened when they were in the deep sleep phase, and the other part was pulled out of a light slumber. It found that those who were awakened during REM sleep performed 32% better on the task. That is why you need to be more attentive to your dreams.

How to find solutions to problems in a dream

First, decide what worries you. For example, you are unhappy with your job, you cannot decide whether to move to another city or not, end the relationship, or leave everything as it is. When we think about all this during the day, we are constantly distracted by a hundred other thoughts that prevent us from concentrating on the most important thing.

It's like asking 20 of your friends for advice and they all suddenly start talking all at the same time.

They really want to help, but due to differences of opinion and endless hubbub, all of this advice is worthless.

To properly prepare yourself for dreaming solutions, try these five steps.

1. Fix the problem

Before going to bed, spend about half an hour in a relaxed conversation about your concerns. Think about which ways of solving the problem you have already tried and which have not yet.

2. Set a time frame

When you go to bed, write down or memorize a clearly identified problem that needs to be solved, and also set aside some time to solve it. You do not want to toss and turn all night, talking about not the most pleasant things? It hasn't done anybody any good yet.

This is why it is important to define a deadline for the problem. Tell yourself something like, “I'm not happy with my job and want to understand what I'm doing wrong. I want to find a way out of the situation by 7 am, when I wake up."

3. Write down your thoughts

As soon as you wake up the next morning, write down the thoughts that come to your mind. In order not to forget to do this, you can put a pencil with paper or a phone near you in advance.

Don't worry if you don't find any solution to the problem the next morning. This is not home delivery by a certain date and not an instant payment by card. This is not how it works. Give yourself time and be patient.

4. Take time to think

Make yourself some tea or coffee, sit in your favorite chair, armed with a notebook and pen or other gadgets that will help you fix your thoughts. For half an hour, just jot down whatever comes to your mind.

Don't think about how superficial or corny it is, whether it makes any sense or not. It doesn't matter how much you can write down. The main thing is that you throw all your thoughts out of your head onto paper.

5. Draw conclusions

After you finish writing, take a short break and re-read what you have written. Highlight the important things and think about how they can help you solve the problem.

You may not find an obvious way out of the situation, but you will definitely be surprised how much easier it will be after a good sleep that seemed insoluble in the evening. At least after you have completed these five steps, you will have at least some kind of action plan.