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What is daydreaming?

Our attention is a powerful lens, allowing our brains to pick out the relevant details out of the overwhelming flow of information reaching us every second. However, scientists <a rel="noopener" href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/330/6006/932" target="_blank">estimate</a> we spend up to half our waking lives thinking about something other than the task at hand: our minds are wandering. This is striking considering the potential negative consequences, from decreased school or work performance to tragic traffic accidents. We also know that mind-wandering and lapses of attention are more common when we are sleep-deprived, which suggests they may happen when the neurons in our brain start behaving in a way that resembles sleep. We tested the relationship between sleep and lapses of attention in new research published in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23890-7" target="_blank">Nature Communications</a>. By monitoring people’s brainwaves against their self-reported states of attention, we found that mind-wandering seems to happen when parts of the brain fall asleep while most of it remains awake. Parts of the brain can sleep while you’re awake Directing our attention inwards can be very useful. It can let us focus on our inner thoughts, manipulate abstract concepts, retrieve memories, or discover creative solutions. But the ideal balance between focusing on the outer and inner worlds is hard to strike, and our ability to stay focused on a given task is surprisingly limited. When we get tired, our control of attention goes awry. At the same time, our brains starts showing local activity that resembles sleep while most of the brain appears clearly awake. This phenomenon, known as “local sleep”, was first seen in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10009" target="_blank">sleep-deprived animals</a> and then <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00949/full" target="_blank">in humans</a>. We wanted to investigate whether local sleep might also happen in well-rested people, and whether it could trigger shifts in attention. Wandering minds and blank minds <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/409046/original/file-20210630-15-7nbvoo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/409046/original/file-20210630-15-7nbvoo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> The Sustained Attention to Response Tasks (SARTs) in the experiment asked participants to view a stream of either faces or digits, and press a button if the face was smiling or the digit was a 3. At the same time, their brainwaves were recorded and they were asked at random intervals about whether they were paying attention. (<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23890-7" target="_blank" class="source">Andrillon et al, Nature Communications (2021)</a>, Author provided). To better understand the relationship between brain activity and lapses of attention, we asked healthy young volunteers to perform a rather boring task requiring continuous attention. As anticipated, their attention frequently shifted away from the task. And when their attention lapsed, their performance decreased. But we also wanted to know what exactly was going through their minds when their attention was not on the task. So we interrupted them at random intervals and asked them what they were thinking about at that moment. Participants could indicate whether they were focusing on the task, their mind was wandering (thinking about something other than the task), or their mind was blank (not thinking about anything at all). In parallel, we recorded their brain activity with an electroencephalogram, which consists of a set of sensors placed on the head that can monitor the rhythms of the brain. Thanks to this non-invasive brain imaging technique, we could search for signs of sleep within wakefulness during the entire task. In particular we focused on “slow waves”, a hallmark of sleep involving brief silences from assemblies of neurons. Our hypothesis was that these lapses in neuron activity could explain lapses in attention. We found local slow waves could predict episodes of mind wandering and mind blanking as well as changes in participants’ behaviour during these lapses of attention. Importantly, the location of slow waves distinguished whether participants were mind wandering or blanking. When slow waves occurred in the front of the brain, participants had the tendency to be more impulsive and to mind wander. When slow waves occurred in the back of the brain, participants were more sluggish, missed responses and mind blanked. Sleep-like brainwaves predicts failure of attention These results can easily be understood through the concept of local sleep. If sleep-like slow waves really do correspond to local bouts of sleep in people who are otherwise awake, the effect of the slow waves should depend on where they occur in the brain and the function of those brain regions as we have found. This suggests that a single phenomenon – local sleep intrusions during waking hours – could explain a broad range of attentional lapses, from mind-wandering and impulsivity to “going blank” and sluggishness. Furthermore, our results suggest that local sleep might represent an everyday phenomenon that can affect us all, even if we are not particularly sleep-deprived. Our participants were simply going about the task at hand. Yet, without realising it, parts of their brains seemed to go offline repeatedly throughout the experiment. Local sleep and attentional deficits We are currently exploring whether this phenomenon of local sleep could be exacerbated in some individuals. For example, most people suffering from attentional deficits and/or hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) also report disrupted sleep. This may result in an increase in local sleep episodes during the day and could explain part of their attentional problems. Finally, this new study reaffirms how sleep and wakefulness can be intermingled in the human brain. It parallels <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468867319301889" target="_blank">studies</a> in sleep showing how the brain can locally “wake up” in order to process sensory information coming from the environment. Here, we show the opposite phenomenon and how sleep intrusions during wakefulness can make our minds wander somewhere or nowhere. <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/thomas-andrillon-138229" target="_blank">Thomas Andrillon</a>, Chercheur en neurosciences à l'ICM, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/inserm-2376" target="_blank">Inserm</a>; <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-windt-1153552" target="_blank">Jennifer Windt</a>, Senior Research Fellow, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank">Monash University</a>, and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/naotsugu-tsuchiya-1246282" target="_blank">Naotsugu Tsuchiya</a>, Professor, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank">Monash University</a> This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-daydreaming-parts-of-the-brain-show-sleep-like-activity-when-your-mind-wanders-163642" target="_blank">original article</a>.

Mind

Are you a maladaptive daydreamer?

Most people daydream and can spend a lot of time doing it, with <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/330/6006/932">research suggesting</a> that as adults, we spend over 50 percent of our time conjuring up fantasies in our heads. Some people can even experience daydreams that are so vivid they can feel like they are in the imaginary environment of their creation. Though this is a commonplace ability, depending on the severity, frequency and other factors, some daydreamers may be experiencing a psychiatric condition called maladaptive daydreaming, or MD. Maladaptive daydreamers will feel compelled to switch to daydreams during the day, leading experts to believe it is a behavioural addiction much like any other. Since it is still an evolving area of research, it is yet to be formally recognised as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, or <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm">DSM-5</a>. But, some experts believe it is a real disorder that can have a significant effect on a person’s daily life. What is maladaptive daydreaming? Though daydreams are a common and enjoyable experience, when the daydreaming interferes with a person’s social, academic, or professional life this is considered to be maladaptive, especially when human interactions are replaced with fantasy. However, maladaptive daydreamers also usually know that their daydreams are not reality and are still in touch with the real world in some way. Why does it occur? Though experts are unsure what causes MD, Professor Eli Somer, who <a href="https://www.haifa.ac.il/index.php/en/2012-12-16-11-30-12/new-media/1754-our-researchers-discovered-a-new-psychological-disorder-maladaptive-daydreaming.html#:~:text=Our%20Researchers%20Discovered%20a%20New%20Psychological%20Disorder%3A%20Maladaptive%20Daydreaming,-A%20new%20psychological&text=%E2%80%9CDaydreaming%20usually%20starts%20as%20a,it%20takes%20over%20their%20lives.">first defined the phenomenon in 2002</a>, believed that it develops as a result of trauma, abuse or loneliness, acting as a coping mechanism that a person could use to escape from their reality. In his study, Somer identified six survivors of sexual assault who would regularly escape into an imaginary world they created and would fantasize about themselves in empowering storylines that were missing in their real lives. Symptoms In a 2011 review by Cynthia Schupak and Jayne Bigelson that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21959201/">studied 90 self-identifying maladaptive daydreamers who fantasize excessively</a>, they found several common behaviours. The researchers found that 79 percent of subjects reported physically engaging with their fantasies, such as making faces or performing repetitive movements while daydreaming. They also found that participants struggled against the compulsion to daydream and were concerned that their fantasies interfered with their real-life relationships. Additional symptoms can include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Extremely vivid daydreams with an evolving or complex story, characters and other detailed story-like features</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Daydreams triggered by real-life events</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Daydreaming for lengthy periods, from many minutes to hours</li> </ul> Can I be diagnosed with maladaptive daydreaming? Since it is not currently recognised by the DSM, you cannot be formally diagnosed with maladaptive daydreaming. Experts have developed a diagnostic tool called the <a href="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1053810015300611-mmc1.doc">Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS)</a> to help people determine whether they are experiencing symptoms of it. But, this should be treated as an indication rather than a formal diagnosis. Can maladaptive daydreaming be treated? There is no official treatment for MD. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19062309">One study</a> found that fluvoxamine, a common treatment for OCD, was effective in helping an individual control her daydreams. Experts believe cognitive behavioural therapy could help people manage their daily life and address their need to daydream. “Maladaptive daydreaming still isn’t an officially recognized condition, but it’s clear that people around the world are experiencing the same symptoms: the hypnotic movements, the plots and characters, and the crippling inability to focus on the real world. As a researcher, I hope to find out much more about this condition and help the medical profession learn to address it,” Bigelsen said.

Mind

Turn your dream into reality at Daydream Island Resort

Dust off the suitcase and prepare to hit the beach. Daydream Island Resort is ready to reopen in 2019 following an extensive $100 million renovation. The hugely popular Great Barrier Reef resort closed in 2017 after it sustained severe damage in Cyclone Debbie. Two years of renovations have meant that Daydream Island is now bigger and better than ever before. “The re-opening of Daydream Island is a huge milestone after the devastation caused by Cyclone Debbie,” Jayson Heron, Daydream Island’s director of sales and marketing says. “It will have been a two-year journey and we are excited to welcome our loyal regulars and new guests to the island to experience the new premium offering.” The restaurants Daydream Island Resort will have three restaurants: Graze Interactive Dining, Infinity and Inkstone Kitchen and Bar. No matter which restaurant you choose – expect seasonal fresh local produce. Daydream has hired executive chef, Bradley Martin, formerly of Taumeasina Island Resort in Samoa to lead the resort’s premium dining destinations. Through simple, yet creative menus Mr Martin plans to showcase local produce and flavours. “I have been meeting local farmers and producers in the Whitsundays region and am excited by the quality of food that surrounds us,” he says. “My food is prepared with love and respect and my menus will show this through simple yet modern dishes.” Graze Interactive Dining, off the main lobby, will serve a modern buffet for breakfast and dinner. It looks and feels like paradise. In keeping with the tropical surrounds, huge baskets of plants are scattered across the rooftop, dangling ferns above diners. Huge glass windows overlook the pool. The first-floor Infinity restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and has expansive views over the Whitsundays. Infinity has a private Teppanyaki Suite for an unforgettable dining experience. Inkstone Kitchen and Bar will showcase modern Australia dishes. If you book a deluxe room or suite – this is your breakfast spot. All other guests can enter for lunch and dinner. Daydream Island now has three bars – Barefoot Bar, Tonic and Silica – where guests can quench their thirst. The rooms The newly premium resort will have 277 rooms, including interconnecting rooms, suites and special access rooms “Our deluxe rooms offer the perfect sanctuary for over 50s guests, with large east-facing terraces, king bed, lounge and coffee tables, they are a gorgeous retreat post a day in the sun,” Mr Heron says. Daydream Island also has more than 40 sets of interconnecting rooms and suites for families, making it a great resort for multi-generation getaways. These rooms will be poolside on the ground floor or on level one with pool or ocean views. “The majority are Superior King Room & Twin (2 Queen Beds) combined, but the resort also has options for three, four and even five rooms to be connected together for larger families, groups of friends or multi-generational families,” Mr Heron says. The pool When it opens, Daydream Island Resort will have a revitalised pool landscape which winds through tropical gardens and under bridges. From the sun lounges, you can expect to have unparalleled views over the Whitsundays. The poolside bar will serve gourmet burgers, sliders, pork ribs and chicken wings as well as smooth tropical cocktails, draught beer or wine. Want to indulge? Try a scoop of ice-cream from the Movenpick Ice Cream Bar. The Living Reef One of the best things about Daydream Island was the resort’s “living reef” and we’re delighted that it is back. The free-form coral lagoon wraps around the central hotel building. It will hold 1.5 million litres of water and meander for 200m. Keep your eyes peeled for seastars, sea cucumbers and crabs – they are all in there. Getting there Daydream Island Resort is one of seven islands of the Molle Group of the Whitsundays. Getting here is easy – with access from Queensland’s Airline Beach and Proserpine Airport. The island is small – just 1km in length and 400 m at its widest point. You can watch sunsets over the water and take walks around the island at sunrise. The highest point on the island is 51 metres above sea level. Grab a kayak and paddle all the way around the island after breakfast. Then flop down by the pool for the afternoon. Daydream Island is surrounded by reefs – offering a great chance from some gently snorkelling. Dive in and explore the marine world below. You will be able to see tropical fish, stingrays and the occasional turtle. The resort will also arrange tours out the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can see the famous Heart of the Whitsundays and find Nemo hidden in the coral. Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/daydream-island-resort/">My Discoveries</a>.

International Travel

5 holidays to take if you win the lottery

We've all enjoyed moments thinking about where we'd jet off to should we ever hit the big lotto jackpot, so where would you go? Check out some of these dream holiday destinations for some inspiration. 1. Explore North Pole on a nuclear icebreaker Take an unforgettable trip through the Artic to the North Pole aboard the nuclear icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory. This 14-night cruise gives you the chance to explore the High Arctic from many angles: view the moving icebreaker from air on a helicopter ride, take a breathtaking walk on the ice and observe bears, birds, and walruses as you sail. For more information, visit <a href="ttp://www.adventure-life.com/arctic/cruises/3837/north-pole-icebreaker" target="_blank">Adventure Life.</a> 2. Private New Zealand adventure Should you ever find you've circled all the numbers on your lotto ticket, you don't need to go further than your own backyard to experience a truly magical holiday. A 35 day custom New Zealand adventure includes white-water rafting down the Rangitaiki River; hiking tours through some of our stunning national parks; wine tastings at historic wineries in the Central Otago region; helicopter flights to remote locations; fly-fishing at top-tier lodges; tours of the glowworm-lined Waitomo Caves; and sailing through the Bay of Islands. And as if that isn't enough, after more than a month exploring New Zealand, the remaining nine days are spent in Hawaii at Maui's Montage Kapalua Bay and Honolulu's renowned hotel Halekulani. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.frontierstravel.com/home" target="_blank">Frontiers International Travel.</a> 3. Tour the Silk Road by private train If you are looking for a truly magical journey then there could be no better way to retrace one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilisation, than with a 22-day private train tour of the Silk Road which follows in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. For centuries, merchants and adventurers journeyed to and from China on ancient routes through some of the most testing landscapes in the world trading silk, spices and perfumes. These 'highways' – stretching some 4,000 miles collectively came to be called the 'Silk Road'. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.mircorp.com/" target="_blank">MIR Corporation.</a> 4. Russian space tour While space travel might not be too far away for the adventurous (and wealthy) you can enjoy a taste of what life is like in space with an exploration of the Russian Space Program. On the tour guests will pay a visit to Star City, Russia's premier cosmonaut training facility, where they can participate in optional cosmonaut training (Zero-Gravity Flight or Space Walk Training) in the Orlan Space Suit Lab. At the remote Russian launch facility on the Kazakh steppe, rub shoulders with top international space officials, space veterans and family of the next space crew, and witness the heart-stirring launch of the Soyuz on its way to the International Space Station. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.mircorp.com/" target="_blank">MIR Corporation.</a> 5. Ultimate Africa safari Africa is the second largest of the Earth's seven continents, making up about 22 percent of the world's total land area and complete with Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera; Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world; and Cape Town, which has to be one of the globe's most beautiful cities with award-winning winelands a stone's throw away. Those looking to get to grips with the wild wonder of the natural world can embark on a 29-day private tour that explores the best Southern Africa has to offer and utilises the most luxurious hotels and tent camps available. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.frontiersej.com/public/elegantJourneys/1/about_elegant_journeys/main_menu_ej" target="_blank">Frontiers Elegant Journeys.</a> First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-handling-flight-delays/">5 tips for dealing with flight delays</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/photo-shows-german-shepherd-enjoying-flight/">German Shepherd really enjoys plane ride</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-travelling-with-people-that-get-on-your-nerves/">Tips for travelling with people that get on your nerves</a>

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What is daydreaming?

Are you a maladaptive daydreamer?

Turn your dream into reality at Daydream Island Resort

5 holidays to take if you win the lottery