Asger Risom
Our minds go quiet far more often than you might think. Scientists are now uncovering how and why these lapses happen — and what they mean for mental health and brain function.
Our minds go quiet far more often than you might think. Scientists are now uncovering how and why these lapses happen, and what they mean for mental health and brain function.
Mind blanking is surprisingly common
People report having an “empty mind” as much as 20% of the time, especially during moments of low stimulation or mental fatigue.
It’s not just forgetting
Mind blanking is defined as the inability to report any thoughts; not the same as distraction or daydreaming.
Researchers struggle to define it
A review led by neuroscientist Athena Demertzi lists at least seven competing definitions for the phenomenon.
Brain scans show something real is happening
Using fMRI, researchers found that so-called “blank” moments involve synchronized deactivation across brain networks.
This brain signal mimics sleep
The pattern of activity seen during mind blanks is also found during deep sleep or under anesthesia.
Low stimulation increases blank moments
Mind blanking is more likely when arousal is low — when your brain isn’t being pushed to focus or stay alert.
Too much arousal causes its own problems
On the flip side, too much stimulation can lead to anxiety and racing thoughts, which also impair thinking.
Blanking is linked to ADHD and anxiety
Unmedicated kids with ADHD report more frequent blanking, as do people with conditions involving anxious or intrusive thoughts.
Your brain might be flushing toxins
Demertzi suggests these pauses could help the brain reset, and are possibly linked to waste-clearing processes seen in sleep.
They may be essential for mental health
Rather than a failure, brief mind blanks could be how the brain preserves function throughout the day.