Can We Learn Even When We’re Asleep? Researchers from the
Weizmann Institute found using a combination of sounds and
smells actually makes our subconscious minds stand up and pay
attention, which means we may be able to learn new things even
while we’re asleep. The “sounds and scents” combo seemed to
create new connections in the brain, making study subjects seek
out a stimulus if it was removed. So, for example, people who’d
associated a sound with a particular smell would continue to
sniff the air when the sound was played — even if the smell
itself was gone. The fact that the brain continues to make such
associations even during shuteye could lead to “learning while
sleeping” techniques. Still, some experts are concerned, saying
that since many of us are already on overload when we’re awake,
perhaps we should declare dreamland strictly off-limits to give
our minds a much-needed break.