Scientists use “dream engineering” to boost creative problem-solving during REM sleep

Summary: Have you ever gone to sleep with a problem and woken up with the perfect answer? Scientists have found a way to make this happen on purpose! In a new study, researchers used a trick called "dream engineering" to help people solve tricky brain-teasers.

First, they had people work on puzzles while listening to specific sounds. Later, when the people fell into deep REM sleep, the scientists played those exact same sounds quietly in the background. This triggered the sleepers to dream about the puzzles. Amazingly, some people even used a secret code—a pattern of quick sniffs—to tell the scientists they were dreaming without waking up!

The next morning, the results were clear. People were much better at solving the puzzles they had dreamed about. They solved 42% of the dreamed-about puzzles, compared to only 17% of the ones they didn't dream about. It turns out, your brain can do some amazing creative work while you snooze!

For more details, see PsyPost at psypost.org/scientists-use-dream-engineering-to-boost-creative-problem-solving-during-rem-sleep/ (opens in new tab)