What do the structure of benzene, ancient fish taxonomy and the Beatles’ song Yesterday have in common?

They were all worked out in dreams.

The Wellcome Collection’s new exhibition looks at the somnolent state through paintings, recordings, scientific studies, and any number of other media.

The gallery is arranged like a hotel corridor, with small chambers along each side resembling bedrooms. Each space tackles a different theme, such as power napping, sleep deprivation, dream interpretation and sleep-like states.

I was particularly intrigued by the man who was unable to sleep for half a year. Even when doctors induced a coma, his brain remained active.

The exhibition is free and takes about an hour to get around. The Wellcome Collection have several events planned to coincide with the exhibition. These include a late-night film exhibition and a panel debate on using drugs to combat sleepiness.