Sleep and memory: effects on learning

Sleeping well is not just a matter of physical rest: Sleep plays a fundamental role for the mind, in particular for the memory. During the night, the brain processes the information acquired throughout the day, consolidating them and making them accessible in the long term. Understanding the link between sleep and memory is essential to improve learning, maintaining high cognitive performance and promoting a good balance between mind and body.

What happens to the brain when we sleep? 

Sleep is not simply a period of inactivity: It's a crucial moment for the brain. During rest hours, the Our nervous system works to consolidate memories, choosing what store and what to delete. In particular, the phases of REM sleep (movement and non-REM eyes have complementary roles:

• Non-REMs: it promotes the transfer of information from short-term memory, stored in the hippocampus, to long-term memory, located in the cerebral cortex.
• REM: stimulates creative elaboration and the association between ideas, helping to give meaning to the information learned.

What effects does lack of sleep have

Lack of sleep has immediate consequences and visible on the memory. Scientific studies show that sleeping less than 6 hours a night impairs the ability to learn and remember new Information: The brain struggles to transform memories into knowledge Lasting.

For example, a study conducted by the University of Harvard showed that students deprived of sleep for a night had a significant reduction in the ability to recall information learned previous day. This happens mainly for these reasons:

• Reduction of neural plasticity. The brain becomes less flexible, losing the ability to create new connections between neurons.
• Decreased attention and problem-solving. With less sleep, it's harder to concentrate and find effective solutions.
• Increased stress. The level of cortisol increases, hindering memorization processes.

Sleep, memory and learning: what it says The science 

Scientific research confirms the link between sleep and quality and learning. A study published in Nature Neuroscience has highlighted that adequate sleep not only helps to memorize information, but also it also facilitates the ability to make connections between seemingly distant.

Even the "power naps", short naps of 20-30 minutes, have been shown to improve memory consolidation in the short term, especially in intensive learning situations.

How to improve sleep and boost your memory

To get the most out of the ratio of sleep to memory, it is advisable to adopt some healthy habits:

1. create a sleep routine. Always go to sleep and wake up at the same time it helps stabilize the circadian rhythm.
2. reduce the evening distractions. Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime decreases exposure to blue light, which interferes with melatonin production.
3. Devote himself to relaxation. Mental training techniques such as meditation or soothing passions how reading can prepare the body and mind for rest.
4. review before sleeping. Review the information learned during the The day helps the brain consolidate them during sleep.

The link between sleep and memory is profound and scientifically proven. Sleeping well is not a luxury, but a necessity for those who want to learn effectively. Your brain needs a Extra support? Try the functional drink for the mind: find out how the Brain Fuel Formula brings functionality back to the max Cognitive.