Sleep is essential for the formation of memories. We cycle through multiples stages of sleep throughout the night. This includes both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep. Research has indicated that memories become more solidified during the non-REM, deep stages of sleep. Meanwhile, it is during REM sleep that these memories are then made sense of. REM sleep allows us to process emotional memories, thus reducing some of the stress related to those memories after awaking from bed.
Furthermore, studies have shown how sleep can help to desensitize us to negative emotions. A 2013 study by Northwestern University used electric shocks on participants while showing them different images. The participants were also made to smell certain odors while looking at these images. fMRI scans indicated that the images were associated with pain in the participant’s brains, due to the shocks they received.
The participants were made to go to bed. The researchers then put the different odors up to the participant’s nostrils while they were asleep in bed. When the participants awoke, they were shown the same images and the fMRI scans indicated less of an association with negative emotions and the images.
Also, non-REM sleep greatly enhances our ability to learn. Studies have shown that you can reduce your ability to learn by up to 40% if you’ve had inadequate sleep. This is because lack of sleep affects the functioning of the hippocampus. And the hippocampus is the part of the brain that is essential for memory formation.
For more information on Sleep Science, come visit our sleep shop in Georgetown TX. Our mattress store in Georgetown Texas has over 40 beds to choose from. And we have Certified Sleep Science Coaches that can better-assist you in getting a good night’s rest!