Study Shows Time Moves Slower In Dreams
- 9 years ago
Scientists in Switzerland conducted a study on lucid dreamers, or those who can control their dreams, to measure how the passage of time in waking life compares to that experienced while asleep.
Scientists at the University of Bern in Switzerland conducted an experiment on the passing of time while we're asleep.
The study specifically used people who are lucid dreamers.
Lucid dreaming happens when a person is aware that they're dreaming, making them able to control their actions within the dreamscape.
During the study, participants attempted to complete different activities within their dreams, ranging from walking 10 paces to performing a difficult gymnastics routine.
In order to time the task and know when it had been completed, the dreamer would signal to the scientists by rolling their eyes in a certain direction.
Along with eye movements, both brain and muscle activity were also observed to confirm each participant was actually asleep.
The study found that it took from around 23 percent to over 50 percent longer to complete the various tasks in a dream than while awake. But to participants, the amount of time felt the same.
Scientists are unsure why this is. It's theorized that the brain takes longer to process information when a person is asleep.
The researchers believe their findings will one day help people such as athletes to improve their skills while asleep.
Scientists at the University of Bern in Switzerland conducted an experiment on the passing of time while we're asleep.
The study specifically used people who are lucid dreamers.
Lucid dreaming happens when a person is aware that they're dreaming, making them able to control their actions within the dreamscape.
During the study, participants attempted to complete different activities within their dreams, ranging from walking 10 paces to performing a difficult gymnastics routine.
In order to time the task and know when it had been completed, the dreamer would signal to the scientists by rolling their eyes in a certain direction.
Along with eye movements, both brain and muscle activity were also observed to confirm each participant was actually asleep.
The study found that it took from around 23 percent to over 50 percent longer to complete the various tasks in a dream than while awake. But to participants, the amount of time felt the same.
Scientists are unsure why this is. It's theorized that the brain takes longer to process information when a person is asleep.
The researchers believe their findings will one day help people such as athletes to improve their skills while asleep.