Background “Cognitive unbinding” means the impaired synthesis of specialized cognitive processing in the brain, which is a kind of paradigm of unconsciousness. “Cognitive unbinding” may be the common mechanism of different anesthetics. Objective We reviewed the basic concept of “Cognitive unbinding” and its relationship with general anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. Content Using general anesthesia-induced unconsciousness as a central state, this article draws on the evidence from neuroimaging and neurophysiology data, which supports the proposition that cognitive unbinding is a direct cause of general anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. The relevance of cognitive unbinding to sleep and other disorders of consciousness is also possible. Cognitive unbinding may be a common mechanism for general anesthesia and other unconscious states. Trend Cognitive unbinding provides a new direction for the study of general anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. The study of mechanism of general anesthesia needs the combination of electrophysiological and imaging technologies.