Penumbral thoughts: Contents of consciousness upon waking
Virginia Fedrigo, Matteo M. Galizzi, Rob Jenkins, Jet G. Sanders
PLoS One December 14, 2023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289654 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 829 |
| Population | Individuals who recalled their first thoughts upon waking |
| Keywords | Consciousness Recall Cognitive psychology |
| Key findings | Penumbral thoughts consistently focus on somatic or psychological state, temporal orientation toward the current time and day ahead, and prioritization of waking actions. |
Abstract
Thoughts shape our experience, choice, and behaviour throughout the day. Yet the content of 'penumbral thoughts'-first thoughts upon waking-has received very little research attention. Across seven independent samples (total N = 829), we used recall and reflection methods, solicited the same day, to understand what individuals think as they regain consciousness. These penumbral thoughts show remarkable thematic consistency: individuals were most likely to reflect on their somatic or psychological state, focus on temporal orientation, and prioritise waking actions. Survey results demonstrate that temporal and spatial orientation are dominated by the current time and the day ahead, rather than the past or other future timescales. Our results provide some insight into the order of priority in consciousness. We conclude that establishing one's temporal position is important to the daily process of 'rebooting' conscious awareness.