Which brain region associated with executive function is deactivated during dreams?

Which brain region associated with executive function is deactivated during dreams?

• A. DLPFC
• B. Amygdala
• C. ACC
• D. OFC

Answer: (A)

Executive control relies on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which handles working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. During REM sleep, when most vivid dreams occur, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is reduced. This deactivation weakens top-down cognitive control, so dreams can progress with rapid shifts and illogical scenarios even though sensory experiences flood the dream. Other regions, like the amygdala, may be active to fuel emotion, but the hallmark suppression is in this executive-function hub.

Executive control relies on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which handles working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. During REM sleep, when most vivid dreams occur, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is reduced. This deactivation weakens top-down cognitive control, so dreams can progress with rapid shifts and illogical scenarios even though sensory experiences flood the dream. Other regions, like the amygdala, may be active to fuel emotion, but the hallmark suppression is in this executive-function hub.