Final answer:
While sleep is important for learning and memory consolidation, the claim of learning complex information from subliminal messages during sleep is controversial and not well-supported by scientific evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that people can learn in their sleep or that subliminal messages can improve one's ability to think falls into the realm of psychological inquiry about altered states of consciousness and their effects on learning and cognition. Research has shown that while sleep does appear to influence learning and memory consolidation, the evidence surrounding learning new information through subliminal messages during sleep is controversial and not widely supported in the scientific community. Cognitive benefits such as increased capacities for creative thinking, language learning, and inferential judgments have been associated with getting the optimal amount of sleep. However, claims about learning new complex information through subliminal messages while asleep should be approached with skepticism.
Studies indicate that cognitive processes like learning are influenced by states of consciousness including hypnosis, meditation, mindful awareness, and progressive relaxation. While practices such as meditation and mindfulness can positively affect learning and cognitive function while awake, the effectiveness of learning through subliminal messages during sleep is less clear. The mechanisms by which sleep contributes to learning and memory are likely different from any alleged impacts of subliminal messaging.