Sleep and quiet wakefulness signify an idling brain hub for creative insights

Long-term potentiation of synaptic strength is a fundamental aspect of learning and memory. Memories are believed to be stored within specific populations of neurons known as engram cells, which are subsequently reactivated during sleep, facilitating the consolidation of stored information. However,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological sciences 2024-07, Vol.379 (1906), p.20230226
Main Authors: Fayed, Mostafa R, Ghandour, Khaled, Inokuchi, Kaoru
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brain - physiology
Cognition
Creativity
Humans
Learning - physiology
Memory - physiology
Sleep - physiology
Wakefulness - physiology
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Summary:Long-term potentiation of synaptic strength is a fundamental aspect of learning and memory. Memories are believed to be stored within specific populations of neurons known as engram cells, which are subsequently reactivated during sleep, facilitating the consolidation of stored information. However, sleep and offline reactivations are associated not only with past experiences but also with anticipation of future events. During periods of offline reactivation, which occur during sleep and quiet wakefulness, the brain exhibits a capability to form novel connections. This process links various past experiences, often leading to the emergence of qualitatively new information that was not initially available. Brain activity during sleep and quiet wakefulness is referred to as the 'idling brain'. Idling brain activity is believed to play a pivotal role in abstracting essential information, comprehending underlying rules, generating creative ideas and fostering insightful thoughts. In this review, we will explore the current state of research and future directions in understanding how sleep and idling brain activity are interconnected with various cognitive functions, especially creative insights. These insights have profound implications for our daily lives, impacting our ability to process information, make decisions and navigate complex situations effectively. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
ISSN:0962-8436
1471-2970
1471-2970
DOI:10.1098/rstb.2023.0226