High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network Connectivity
Raphael Vallat1, Başak Türker1, Alain Nicolas1
1Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, F-69000, France.
Nature and Science of Sleep
|March 1, 2022
Summary
High dream recallers exhibit greater default mode network (DMN) connectivity and creativity compared to low dream recallers. These findings suggest neurophysiological differences linked to dreaming and creative thinking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Dream recall frequency correlates with creativity and openness.
- Neuroimaging reveals distinct default mode network (DMN) activity in high (HR) versus low (LR) dream recallers.
- Dreaming and mind-wandering may share underlying processes mediated by the DMN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between DMN functional connectivity, personality traits (creativity), and cognitive abilities in HR and LR.
- To test the hypothesis that the DMN underpins spontaneous mental processes in both dreaming and wakefulness.
Main Methods:
- Functional connectivity of the DMN was measured during resting wakefulness in 28 HR and 27 LR.
- Participants completed assessments of personality (including creativity) and cognitive abilities.
Main Results:
- HR showed significantly greater DMN connectivity than LR.
- HR also scored higher on creativity measures.
- No significant differences in memory abilities were found between HR and LR.
- Creativity scores did not significantly correlate with DMN connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with high dream recall display distinct neurophysiological (DMN connectivity) and psychological (creativity) profiles.
- Findings support the role of the DMN in dreaming and spontaneous thought.
- The DMN's potential role in promoting creative thinking during wakefulness and sleep warrants further investigation.
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