This Is What Happens Inside Your Brain When It Suddenly Goes Blank, According To A New Study

You know that strange moment when your mind suddenly feels completely empty, and you have no clue where your thoughts just went? It turns out there’s now a scientific explanation for what might be happening when that occurs, and it's weirder than you might expect.

The phrase “my mind has gone blank” is something most of us have heard and probably even said ourselves more than once. It’s one of those universally relatable moments that can happen during a conversation, while reading, or even in the middle of doing something important. For a long time, it seemed like just one of those things that happened without explanation.

But now, a new study has offered some surprising insight into what might actually be going on in the brain during these mental blackouts.

Researchers have found that this “mind blanking” isn't the same for everyone. Some people experience it more frequently, while others report a completely different version of it. The fact that we're only now beginning to understand the mechanics of it makes it all the more fascinating.

Athena Demertzi, the lead author of the study, explained that their goal was to "better understand mind blanking" by diving deep into existing research.

To do this, Demertzi and her team analyzed 80 relevant research articles, including some of their own studies where participants had their brain activity recorded while they reported “thinking of nothing.”

Their work is helping to uncover the hidden rhythms of the brain during these oddly empty moments—moments we’ve all experienced but never really understood.

Mind Blanks - Moments We’ve All Experienced but Never Really Understood.

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Demertzi and her colleagues from France, Australia, and Belgium set out to explore the true nature of consciousness, and their in-depth research may bring us closer to understanding it.

After reviewing 80 research articles, the team discovered that, on average, people experience mind blanking about five to twenty percent of the time. They also found that the experience varies significantly from person to person.

For instance, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD may blank more frequently.

Some people may also experience both “blanking” and “mind wandering,” which, according to researchers, are two distinct mental states with different internal sensations. Blanking can happen during moments of sustained focus, after sleep deprivation, or while engaging in physically demanding activities like intense workouts.

In other cases, it may be linked to neurological or psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or rare disorders like Kleine-Levin syndrome.

According to Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist and author, the phenomenon of a blank mind can often be linked to cognitive overload. He explains that when we are faced with too much information, our brain might simply shut down to protect itself from overstimulation.

This reaction can cause temporary paralysis in thought processes. Dr. Ariely suggests practicing mindfulness techniques, which can help improve focus and manage stress levels. Engaging in regular mindfulness meditation can create a calmer mental environment, reducing the chances of experiencing a blank mind in high-pressure situations.

Researchers Found That We Enter a Sleep State

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So, What’s Actually Happening in the Brain When It Blanks Out?

Behavioral studies and brain imaging research suggest that the brain is far from idle during these moments. Using electroencephalography (EEG), scientists found that the brain enters a state known as “local sleep.”

In this state, sleep-like brain waves, reduced signal complexity, a slower heart rate, and smaller pupil size are all signs typically associated with falling asleep. This fascinating finding supports the idea that blanking out may be more like a brief nap than a simple distraction.

In a separate 2019 study, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe what happens when people intentionally try to clear their minds. They discovered that several regions of the brain appeared to switch off during this process, including the inferior frontal gyrus, Broca’s area, the supplementary motor cortex, and the hippocampus.

However, lead researcher Athena Demertzi and her team noted that because the participants chose to blank their minds on purpose, the brain activity might differ from what happens during spontaneous blanking.

“We realize that the investigation of mind blanks presents methodological and conceptual challenges,” the team wrote.

Overall, the researchers believe that mind blanking may occur when the brain is in either a very high or very low state of arousal. They hope this study encourages deeper exploration into the nature of thought, awareness, and consciousness.

Cognitive Mechanisms Behind Blank Moments

Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale, emphasizes that our brains often prioritize emotional responses over cognitive processing when under stress. This prioritization can lead to moments where we feel our thoughts have vanished.

She notes that during stressful scenarios, our brain's fight-or-flight response is activated, which can make rational thinking more challenging. To counteract this, Dr. Santos recommends cognitive restructuring, a technique that involves reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. This can enhance clarity and lessen the likelihood of experiencing cognitive shutdown in stressful situations.

Building Healthier Patterns

Research indicates that understanding the neurological basis behind moments when our minds go blank can aid in developing coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral techniques, combined with mindfulness practices, can significantly improve our ability to handle stress and maintain mental clarity.

For instance, Dr. Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset shows that embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities for learning can transform our approach to stressful situations. By fostering resilience through consistent practice of these strategies, individuals can enhance their cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience, leading to better outcomes in high-pressure environments.