What is the role of the prefrontal cortex during sleep?

The prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation. During sleep, particularly in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep when dreaming occurs, the prefrontal cortex exhibits reduced activity compared to its levels during wakefulness. This decreased activity is thought to contribute to the surreal nature of dreams, as logical reasoning and critical thinking—functions of the prefrontal cortex—are less engaged.

This background context helps clarify its involvement during sleep. While it is true that the prefrontal cortex is involved in cognitive functions, its activity shifts during sleep rather than managing dreams directly. This means the prefrontal cortex's responsibility in higher cognitive functions is important for understanding the complexities of brain activity during sleep rather than directly overseeing the sleep-wake cycle or sensory information processing.