Researchers have figured out a way to help us overcome our fears — in our sleep.
Northwestern University scientists report that they have decreased fear levels in people by using odors that trigger frightening memories and reprogramming them into safe ones, according to the Washington Post.
Because the memories are triggered during sleep, people can adjust to them without experiencing terror, scientists say. Their study was published online Sunday by the journal Nature Neuroscience.
“From a clinical perspective, this can be a new approach to try and treat stressful or traumatic memories,” neurologist Jay Gottfried, senior author of the study, tells the Washington Post.