Can lack of sleep have any drastic effects on your memory? [Answered: YES]

[CrazCo]

ive noticed the less hours i sleep the wayy less i seem to remember so i am sure it does have an effect.. i just am wondering the biological explanation

[iNow]

It's about consolidation, and how new connections among the nerves are made and others are trimmed. Something about sleeping helps to make our neural nets more efficient and solid.

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050629070337.htm

In this new research, by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we can actually see which parts of the brain are active and which are inactive while subjects are being tested, enabling us to better understand the role of sleep to memory and learning."

 

New memories are formed within the brain when a person engages with information to be learned (for example, memorizing a list of words or mastering a piano concerto). However, these memories are initially quite vulnerable; in order to "stick" they must be solidified and improved. This process of "memory consolidation" occurs when connections between brain cells as well as between different brain regions are strengthened, and for many years was believed to develop merely as a passage of time. More recently, however, it has been demonstrated that time spent asleep also plays a key role in preserving memory.

The cerebellum, which functions as one of the brain's motor centers controlling speed and accuracy, was clearly more active when the subjects had had a night of sleep," he explains. At the same time, the MRIs showed reduced activity in the brain's limbic system, the region that controls for emotions, such as stress and anxiety. <

more at the link

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[vampares]

So, a night sleep before memorization or a night sleep after?

 

I have really weird dreams w/ lots of loose ends so obviously something is askew.

[iNow]

So, a night sleep before memorization or a night sleep after?

 

I have really weird dreams w/ lots of loose ends so obviously something is askew.

 

While the primary factor is a night of sleep after the learning/practice, both in fact are important. Getting a good night sleep the night(s) prior to the learning/practice will better prime the mind to perform the task and retain the information. So, despite the after sleep being the more prominent contributor to the effect, getting better sleep before is also important.