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A Good Night's Sleep Shores Up Memory

8 hours of shut-eye helps brain function the next day, study suggests

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2008 5:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Nothing improves memory like a little shut-eye, a new study suggests. Researchers taught new information and skills to two groups of patients, and allowed one to sleep normally while giving the other none or only a nap. The sleepers tested better the next day–and scans revealed enhanced brain activity to match that performance.

"Sleep is not just a waste of time, it is a very active time," said one sleep expert. "During the day we acquire information, but at night we sort that information. People complain about sleep deprivation, but now with the 24/7 society and information overload we need our sleep more than ever."

A woman undergoes a sleep EEG test to determine brain activity in this undated file photo. (Shutterstock)

A good night's sleep does wonders for the brain, researchers have found. (Shutterstock)

When learning a new skill, sleeping on it helps. (Shutterstock)

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A Good Night's Sleep Shores Up Memory

8 hours of shut-eye helps brain function the next day, study suggests

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To Boost Memory, Go to Sleep

How shut-eye helps you remember, process more

Disturbed Sleep Hurts Memory

Brain needs deep sleep to decide what to retain

How Naps Can Help You Learn

New study shows a post-snooze memory boost

Rest Up, Look Hot: Beauty Sleep Is Real

Better-slept people look healthier, more attractive

Sleeping In Will Help at Work

Sleep hard on Sunday, and you'll feel better on Monday

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A Good Night's Sleep Shores Up Memory

8 hours of shut-eye helps brain function the next day, study suggests

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

sleep • memory • learning • research • sleep deprivation • health study

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

To Boost Memory, Go to Sleep

How shut-eye helps you remember, process more

Disturbed Sleep Hurts Memory

Brain needs deep sleep to decide what to retain

How Naps Can Help You Learn

New study shows a post-snooze memory boost

Rest Up, Look Hot: Beauty Sleep Is Real

Better-slept people look healthier, more attractive

Sleeping In Will Help at Work

Sleep hard on Sunday, and you'll feel better on Monday

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?