What happens when your brain goes on auto pilot?

Question

I drive a lot, and sometimes I just “scare” back into reality and I realize I wasn’t even paying attention the last few seconds, and it feels weird. Why and how does this happen?

In: 2885

Answer 1

As well as the top answer, it’s also the case that your brain doesn’t store into long term memory anything that it seems as unnecessary. You feel like your brain was blank and you weren’t paying attention, but you probably were – your brain just didn’t store any of that information.

Answer 2

As well as the top answer, it’s also the case that your brain doesn’t store into long term memory anything that it seems as unnecessary. You feel like your brain was blank and you weren’t paying attention, but you probably were – your brain just didn’t store any of that information.