Unknown voices spark more brain activity in sleep than familiar ones

Murugesu was by the name of Jason.

EEG is used to measure brain activity.

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The sleeping brain is more active if it hears new voices. The finding suggests that we can process information in the deep sleep stages.

17 people with an average age of 23 were monitored in a sleep lab over two nights. Brain activity was monitored using a machine.

The first night was used to get the subjects used to their new surroundings.

The participants played a recording of human speech on a loop while they slept. The voice belonged to a familiar person, such as a parent or a romantic partner.

In either case, the voice said three first names: two random but common names and the name of the sleeper.