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The Sleepwalking Brain: Why the Default Mode Network Plays an Important Role in Your Daily Thoughts.
In daily life, many people may experience moments when they are not focused on the current task but have flashbacks, fantasies about the future, or thoughts about the actions of others flashing through their minds. This series of inner dialogue and reflection is actually driven by a neural network called the "Default Mode Network" (DMN). This network plays a crucial role in psychology and neuroscience, whether in self-reflection, interacting with others, or recalling and planning for the future.
"The default mode network plays a central role in individual social cognition, memory formation and self-awareness."
Function and composition of the default mode network
The default mode network is mainly composed of several key brain regions, including the anterior medial frontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and angular gyrus. These areas are most active when people are not focused on the outside world and are in a state of waking rest, such as when they are daydreaming, or when their minds are wandering. The default mode network is also involved in social thinking, self-reflection, and recalling the past and planning for the future.
Historical background and discoveries
The first person to propose the idea that the brain continues to be active during rest was Hans Berger, who invented the electroencephalogram. In research in 1929, he demonstrated that the brain produces electrical oscillations even when at rest. Although his research did not attract enough attention at the time, with the advancement of technology, scientists gradually discovered that the brain also has its restless side when resting.
“One of the most important findings is that activity in the default mode network is enhanced during certain internal goal-directed tasks.”
Clinical significance and Mental Health
Research has found that the default mode network is related to a variety of mental disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, bipolar disorder, etc. In particular, Alzheimer's patients have significantly reduced energy usage in the default mode network, which is directly related to impaired memory. This has triggered widespread attention and research on this network by scientists, allowing us to better understand the operation and impact of the brain in the face of pain.
Adjustment of default mode network
Emerging research suggests that the default mode network can be modulated by a variety of different interventions and processes. For example, meditation can reduce activity in the default mode network, which is linked to self-awareness and emotional regulation. In addition, exercise, psychotherapy, drug treatment and other methods can affect the connection and function of this neural network, showing the importance of its plasticity and regulation.
"The effects of psychotherapy show that changes in the default mode network in various psychological states reflect the brain's close connection with emotion and social interaction."
Conclusion
It is precisely because of the discovery and research of the default mode network that we have a deeper understanding of how the brain thinks and recalls in a resting state. This is not only of great significance to neuroscience research, but also brings new enlightenment to applications in the field of mental health. How does the silent thinking in our daily lives shape our self-perception and understanding of the world?
