A type of brain activity associated with alertness and attention can track mind wandering. However, research is divided on whether this activity promotes or hinders mind wandering. Esther Sealking of Barnard College and colleagues investigated whether the relationship between this brain activity and mind wandering changes depending on whether the eyes are open or closed. Tealking says. ”We predicted that eye condition might explain these discrepancies, as closing the eyes would enhance (this brain activity) and reverse its relationship with sleepiness, which is itself closely related to mind wandering.”
As reported in their article, JNeurosci According to the paper, researchers recorded the brain activity of adults with their eyes open and eyes closed while they performed tasks that involved paying attention to sounds and letting their minds wander. Participants also reported their level of alertness or sleepiness. People who kept their eyes open had increased brain activity, which preceded wandering and sleepiness. However, people with their eyes closed experienced this type of brain activity when they were focused and paying attention to a task.
Tealking says. ”These findings highlight the importance of considering context and brain state when interpreting a person’s attention and mental experience from brain signals.. ”
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Reference magazines:
Opposite effects of alpha oscillations on mind wandering when eyes are open and closed. JNeurosci. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0133-26.2026
