Need A Creative Boost? Try Lying Down


If you often have your best creative thoughts when you’re lying down in bed, you are not alone. An Australian study suggests that lying down can boost innovation and creative thinking.

Picture: Moyan Brenn/Flickr

The study, from researchers at the Australian National University, tested 20 participants in their ability to solve anagrams. When the volunteers were lying down, they solved the problems about 10 per cent faster than when they were standing.

Dr Lipnicki, one of the researchers, theorises that there may be differences in our brain chemistry when we’re lying down. As quoted in PhysOrg:

“In theory, there may be greater release of a chemical, noradrenaline, in the brain when standing up than when lying down. “It’s suspected that noradrenaline inhibits the abilities to solve anagrams and to think creatively.”

Lying down didn’t make a difference with arithmetic problems, but it did help with insight problems (the kind that often inspire “Eureka!” moments).

So the next time you are looking for a creative breakthrough, go ahead and lie down on the job.

Creative thinking: try lying down [PhysOrg]


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