Study Reveals Dreams Can Occur When Awake
Paris, 04/05/2026 – A new study conducted by the Institute of Dreams in Paris challenges the long-held belief that dreams exclusively occur during deep sleep. Research indicates that vivid and unusual experiences, resembling dreams, can occur when individuals are still awake. The study, involving 92 participants, investigated the moments immediately preceding sleep, identifying four distinct mental states: transitional, alert, strange, and voluntary.
Researchers found that people frequently experience these episodes, often characterized by unusual thoughts and sensations. Lead author Nicolas Decat explained that the mind’s activity doesn’t always adhere to the traditional boundaries between wakefulness and sleep. “Our research suggests that the mind can generate experiences akin to dreams even when a person is consciously aware,” Decat stated.
The investigation focused on the transitions when individuals are moving from a state of wakefulness to sleep. The findings highlight a previously underappreciated aspect of consciousness and the potential for dream-like states to occur when we are awake. Further research is planned to explore the underlying mechanisms of these experiences.
Topics: #when #awake #dreams
“This is fascinating research that really makes you think about the complexities of the human mind.”