This is a collection of recent finds on the importance of synchronization with in the brain. This extremely significant mental process is where IM impacts the brain.
Synchronization as possible biological measure of neuro developmental delay. "The strength of synchronization (between brain hemispheres) was associated with individual language and communication abilities: the weaker the synchronization, the more severe the communication difficulties exhibited." "It would be a biological rather than a behavioral measure that could be used to diagnose autism at a very young age – around one year."Executive Functions and Synchronization by Dr Mark Goldenberg:
"The ability to plan actions based upon goals or objectives (planning), organize our thoughts to achieve those goals and objectives most efficiently (organization) and carry out the steps necessary to accomplish what we set out to do (sequencing). Planning actions based upon goals requires us to remember the goal. This requires us to be able to hold the goal in mind. Not only do we have to keep the goal in mind but we have to keep the necessary steps in mind and in the correct order (sequencing) We must also be flexible enough to change the plan in midstream if during our execution of the task it is not going as we planned (mental flexibility). Lastly, we must also sustain enough desire and mental arousal to be able to keep on task to finish what we have set out to do (attention, vigilance). The current research reveals that there are common causes for most of these challenges and that they stem from under activated or weak brain regions, inability of one hemisphere to communicate efficiently with the other hemisphere, and inability of the bodies sensory system to properly integrate at the higher levels of the brain."
Synchronization and brain functions impact on sleep. Quite outside the box, but I see some connections and an interesting read. This Australian professor stayed awake extended amounts of time - his theory has to do with brain hemispheric function. I experience many individuals in IM that say they sleep BETTER with IM training, fall asleep easier, don't wake up during the night and wake up feeling refreshed. Some discontinue taking prescription sleep aids post IM. I believe something about IM impacts the sleep/wake cycle.
"You can feel the change [in hemisphere concentration] cutting in after two days (of not sleeping), where you slowly start feeling better—and there’s even mild euphoria." - My experience with IM is that most individuals reach a state that they too enter a very different conscious state, much like deep meditation, or in the zone processing. They loose track of time, feel extremely relaxed yet focused, pleasant, almost euphoric. This occurs on longer tasks when the person is under 18 ms. I have thought it has to do with brain waves but research remains to be done here.
"...the left hemisphere would simply shut down while consciousness switched to the right (a classic nirvana-type experience)" Watch brain scientist's Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke of insight.
