What Exactly Is Deja Vu? What Exactly Is Deja Vu?

Deja vu is a French term that literally means "already seen." It's that eerie feeling like you've experienced a certain moment before, even though you know it's happening for the first time. Many of us have experienced it, but what exactly is behind this mysterious feeling?

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An article from VeryWell Health lines out the particulars. Everything is covered from risk factors to treatment; however, let's zoom in and take a look at the reasons why this phenomenon happens.

LOOK: WHAT EXACTLY IS DEJA VU ANYWAY?

Memory Glitches: One popular theory is that deja vu happens due to a "glitch" in our memory. This glitch causes the brain to mistake the present for the past. Think of it like an error in the brain’s memory system. New information accidentally gets filed in the wrong part of our memory bank.

Brain Processing Delays: Another explanation is how our brain processes information. Sometimes, one part of the brain will process information a fraction of a second before another part gets the chance. This tiny delay can create the illusion that we're experiencing something for the second time because the brain feels like it's receiving the information twice.

Familiarity without Details: Sometimes, a new situation might resemble something from our past. It could be the layout of a new restaurant that looks similar to one you’ve visited before or maybe a conversation you swear you've already had. This familiarity triggers the feeling of deja vu, even though the specific details don’t match up exactly.

Stress and Fatigue: Stress or exhaustion can also trigger deja vu. When we’re tired or stressed out, our brain's ability to process information correctly can happen, leading to more frequent episodes of this strange sensation.

Deja vu is a fascinating and slightly mysterious slice of human experience. Next time you say, "This has happened before," remember, it's just your brain playing a game of recognition and recall. One thing is for sure, deja vu is a reminder of how complex our brains are.