Our brains are powerful tools. Even when we’re not specifically focused on a task, our subconscious is working to find patterns and problem solve. And it turns out we can harness this power to come up with solutions in our sleep.

Many people have already experienced this without trying. You may have had the experience of waking up with the answer to a homework problem. Or going for a walk while working on a hard problem and having the answer by the time you return.

There are a number of people who have latched on to this idea and deliberately use it as a technique. Most recently I’ve heard of former Apple engineer Jim Keller talk about it in his appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Chess Prodigy and BJJ black belt Josh Waitzkin also uses a similar method. It’s also the same reason that non sleep deep rest (NSDR) works.

At the end of the day it’s one more tool in your arsenal to use.

Cheers,
Ben

p.s. Quote ponder:
"Are you so foolish? You began this journey in the spirit, why are you trying to finish it in the flesh?" - Galatians 3:3

#problemsolving #learning