Dream sleep fosters creativity by allowing the brain to merge previously learned information with new insights, akin to a group therapy session for memories. During this phase, the brain forges novel connections and generates innovative solutions to complex problems. Historical figures like Dmitri Mendeleev and Albert Einstein utilized sleep as a tool for creativity, with Mendeleev deriving the periodic table from dream-inspired insights, and Einstein employing strategic naps to capture fleeting ideas. This phenomenon of 'sleeping on a problem' reflects a universal appreciation for the creative potential of dreams, highlighting the cultural variations in descriptions of this practice.
Matthew Walker is Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and Founder and Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. Check out his book "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501144316
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