Why do we Sleep? Studies Report New Evidence that Sleep Influences Brain's Ability to Learn and Remember

For immediate release.

WHY DO WE SLEEP? STUDIES REPORT NEW EVIDENCE THAT SLEEP
INFLUENCES BRAIN’S ABILITY TO LEARN AND REMEMBER

Sleep creates brain chemical environment conducive to memory; sustained sleep
disturbances may impair brain functions weeks after sleep habits return to normal

Washington, DC — New studies released today shed important new light on the role sleep plays to promote learning and memory. The findings report that learning and memory problems caused by sleep disturbances may take weeks to overcome due to a drop in new brain cell birth; identify chemical conditions during sleep that promote memory; and support the benefits of a quick daytime nap to improve creative thought. The studies were released today at Neuroscience 2008, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news on brain science and health. At the meeting, researchers discussed new investigations into sleep, learning, and memory, and report they are getting closer to providing one answer for the fundamental question, why do we sleep? View full release.