5 facts
Individuals who lost their sight later in life still experience visual dreams, often incorporating memories of what they once saw. Those born blind typically have dreams involving sound, smell, touch, and emotion, creating rich non-visual experiences.
This "unihemispheric slow-wave sleep" allows them to remain vigilant for predators and surface for air while resting. Their active brain half ensures they don't drown or become vulnerable, demonstrating remarkable evolutionary adaptation.
Despite making up only about 2% of your body weight, the brain consumes around 20% of the body's total oxygen and calories. It's an incredibly energy-intensive organ, constantly active even during sleep, managing countless functions.
Despite making up only about 2% of your body weight, the brain is an incredibly energy-intensive organ. This high demand fuels its complex functions, from thinking and memory to controlling all bodily processes, even during sleep.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) in your digestive tract contains over 100 million neurons, operating independently of the central nervous system. It directly impacts mood, stress, and overall well-being, earning it the nickname "second brain."