When the mind goes blank, brain activity resembles deep sleep, scans reveal. Neuroscientists think this state could be a way for the brain to protect itself by temporarily shutting down thought processes.
Researchers have identified “mind blanking” as a distinct conscious state characterized by changes in arousal and a global slowdown in brain activity. In a study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, scientists used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity while participants experienced lapses in attention, such as mind wandering or mind blanking.
The results showed that when people reported experiencing mind blanking, their brains displayed hyperconnectivity – a global, synchronized activity pattern similar to that seen during deep sleep. This similarity may hold clues about the function of this state. Deep sleep is known for its importance in brain cleanup and energy conservation.
Researchers believe mind blanking might act as a mini-reset while we’re awake, helping the brain maintain itself. However, it’s not ideal for performance, and some people may experience it more frequently than others, with around 5-20% of waking hours spent in this state.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/when-your-mind-goes-blank-your-brain-activity-resembles-deep-sleep-scans-reveal