Predicting lapses of attention with sleep-like slow waves

Attentional lapses—moments when focus slips—are linked to mind wandering (task-unrelated thoughts) or mind blanking (a halt in the stream of consciousness). By analyzing behavior, subjective reports, and high-density EEG in healthy participants performing a task, the authors found that both types of lapses are preceded by spatially and temporally localized slow waves in the brain—a pattern typical of the transition to sleep. The location of these slow waves distinguished between sluggish versus impulsive behaviors and between mind wandering versus mind blanking. The findings suggest that attentional lapses share a common physiological origin: the emergence of local sleep-like activity within the awake brain.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Attentional lapses are ubiquitous and can negatively impact performance. They correlate with mind wandering, or thoughts that are unrelated to ongoing tasks and environmental demands. In other cases, the stream of consciousness itself comes to a halt and the mind goes blank. What is happening in the brain that leads to these mental states? To understand the neural mechanisms underlying attentional lapses, we cross-analysed the behaviour, subjective experience and neural activity of healthy participants performing a task. Random interruptions prompted participants to indicate their mental states as task-focused, mind-wandering or mind-blanking. High-density electroencephalography revealed the occurrence of spatially and temporally localized slow waves, a pattern of neural activity characteristic of the transition toward sleep. These slow waves accompanied behavioural markers of lapses and preceded reports of mind wandering and mind blanking. Furthermore, the location of slow waves distinguished sluggish versus impulsive behaviours, mind wandering versus mind blanking. Our results suggest attentional lapses share a common physiological origin: the emergence of local sleep-like activity within the awake brain.