We’re constantly making memories with every experience, but how do they stick with us? It turns out that a good night’s sleep makes them last. Recent research shows that as we sleep, the neurons in our brains undergo processes that not only preserve past memories but also prepare for the creation of new memories to come.
A new study published in Nature Communications captured memory processing in mice by following neuronal activity in their brains before, during, and after learning experiences. The results suggest that proper sleep may be pivotal for learning and retaining new information.
Episodic memories are primarily formed and stored in the hippocampus, located in the temporal lobe of the brain. Although the hippocampus is the main hub for memory processing, other parts of the brain are also involved. Neurons in the prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for decision-making and personality expression, play a role in recalling ...
