We all know that sleep plays an important role in memory, but how exactly does it impact the learning process?
Learning and sleep
Healthy sleep is essential for learning and memory function. According to research, sleep helps learning and memory in two ways:
- If you are sleep-deprived you can’t focus your attention and can’t learn efficiently.
- Sleep plays a role in the consolidation of memory, which is essential for learning new information.
Learning can be broken down into acquisition (the introduction of new information), consolidation (the processes through which a memory becomes stable) and recall (the ability to access the information after it has been stored). Each of these steps is crucial for precise memory function.
Acquisition and recall only happen during wakefulness, and memory consolidation happens during sleep when the neural connections that form memories are strengthened.
Sleep stages and memory
Early sleep and memory research focused on declarative memory or fact-based memory. Scientists considered that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, played a significant role in the acquisition of learned material as well as in declarative memory processes, provided the information is complex and emotionally charged.
Slow-wave sleep (SWS), which is deep, restorative sleep, also plays a vital role in declarative memory by processing and consolidating newly acquired information.
Sleep plays a critical role in learning new tasks that require motor coordination and performance. Motor learning seems dependant on the lighter stages of sleep, while certain types of visual learning depend on the amount and timing of deep, slow-wave and REM sleep.
Sleep deprivation and learning
When you are sleep deprived, your attention, focus and vigilance drift and it is more difficult to receive information. Over-worked neurons can’t function to coordinate information properly, and you lose the ability to access previously learned information. Furthermore, you lose the ability to make sound decisions because you can’t accurately assess the situation, plan accordingly, and choose the correct behaviour.
Sleep deprivation can also negatively impact your mood, which also has ramifications for learning.
Rest to remember
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