Brain and Environment Interaction: Neuroplasticity of the Visual Cortex and the Roles of Sensory Deprivation, Sleep, and Dreams.
Rehana K Naik Olson, Lawrence Wichlinski
Psychiatry July 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2026.2680659 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Key findings | Neuroplasticity in the adult visual cortex persists and can contribute to functional outcomes, with sleep and dreaming playing a mediating role. |
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the tendency of the nervous system to change structurally and functionally due to experience. The adult visual cortex was historically presumed rigid and unchangeable. However, recent research has identified residual neuroplasticity in the visual cortex extending into adulthood, which may be mediated by environmental factors including visual deprivation. Eagleman and Vaughn proposed the Defensive Activation Theory (DAT) in 2021, which posits a role for rapid eye movement sleep (REMS)-related dreaming in preventing neuroplastic loss of visual function during the extended periods of visual deprivation that occur during sleep. We reviewed research examining the extent of visual cortical plasticity across the human lifespan and the roles of sleep and dreaming regarding this neuroplasticity, providing further discussion of the DAT and potential areas for future investigation. Neuroplasticity in adulthood can contribute to functional outcomes, and sleep appears to play a role in mediating this neuroplasticity.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- Visuo-spatial imagery in dreams of congenitally and early blind: a systematic review Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience June 30, 2023
- Quantifying auditory impressions in dreams in order to assess the relevance of dreaming as a model for psychosis PLoS One March 12, 2020
- Quantitative-Qualitative Assessment of Dream Reports in Schizophrenia and Their Correlations with Illness Severity. Brain Sciences June 3, 2024
- The neurocognition of dreaming: key questions and foci. Emerging topics in life sciences December 22, 2023
- The overfitted brain: Dreams evolved to assist generalization Patterns July 19, 2020
and 5 more in the library