Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis
Definition
The Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis is a theory proposed by J. Allan Hobson and Robert McCarley that suggests dreams are a result of random neural activity in the brain being interpreted and synthesized into a coherent story during REM sleep.
Analogy
Imagine your brain as an artist who randomly splatters paint on a canvas during REM sleep. The Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis says that when you wake up, your brain tries to make sense of those random splatters and creates a meaningful painting (dream) out of it.
Related terms
REM Sleep: A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, vivid dreaming, and muscle paralysis.
Neural Activity: Electrical impulses and communication between neurons in the brain.
Coherent Story: A narrative or plotline that makes sense and has logical connections throughout.
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