Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Memory?
Going to bed late seems harmless! It gives you time to watch you favorite TV show, catch up on work or hangout with friends. But losing sleep could actually be damaging your memory function and your brains learning ability. Adults work best with 7 to 8 hours of sleep, when most adults are sleeping less than 6 hours. If you are one that falls in this category, you could be damaging your long-term memory function.
Sleep deprivation affects the rhythm at which the neurons fire at the hippocampus region; where the long-term memory is made. The rhythm in the brain while sleeping is what helps reinforce memories. Research published from University of Groningen and Pennsylvania found that five hours of sleep deprivation can create a disconnect between neurons and the hippocampus.
A study by Sara Anton, in the department of biology at University of Michigan, tested mice and sleep deprivation vs. enough sleep and their memories. Mice were given a foot shock and then separated into two groups. One group was given a drug that mimics the process that occurs during sleep deprivation. When the mice were grouped back together, the ones with the drug did not remember the foot shock before hand, where as the other group of mice had a fear response or froze.
If you sleep deprive an animal after a shock pairing they will not remember it the next day. With enough sleep, a day or even months later they will remember and have a fear like response.
It is best to get the recommended 7 plus hours of sleep, but if you are limited try and take a nap sometime during the day to help restore some of your brain function.
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