For many people, sleep is merely a way to rest and recharge. However, scientific studies conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan have proven that the brain is far from idle during sleep. On the contrary, it sorts through the information gathered throughout the day, highlights the important parts, and discards the unnecessary. This process is similar to that of an editor: clear, structured, and concise, reports Peopletalk.
Human sleep consists of two main phases: slow-wave sleep (NREM) and rapid-eye movement sleep (REM). These two phases alternate several times throughout the night. According to the researchers, this alternation is crucial for memory processing.
Slow-wave sleep is when the brain begins to “archive” information. During this phase, special neurons called “engram cells” become active — they are responsible for storing important memories. At the same time, the level of acetylcholine — a chemical that assists in deeper information processing — decreases.
REM sleep, on the other hand, boosts brain activity, intensifies dreaming, and “clears out” working memory. In this stage, unnecessary or repetitive information is erased, and memory consistency is established.
Why does this matter?
The authors of the study emphasize that this knowledge is not only important for daily life, but also for medical science. In particular, it can:
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help alleviate post-traumatic stress disorders,
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address memory issues related to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The findings also highlight the vital role of sleep. Sleeping 7–9 hours each night is essential not only for physical health but also for memory, attention, and cognitive performance. Especially during periods of education, exam preparation, or mentally demanding work, quality sleep is a cornerstone of success.
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