How can we harness sleep to enhance learning and memory?

In this Special Feature, we look at what studies have found out about sleep techniques and memory consolidation.

Can we harness sleep to enhance learning and memory? The role of sleep in memory has long been a topic of interest for scientists, with slow-wave sleep being particularly important for this process. Now, new research reveals how new techniques could help us harness the power of sleep, especially during deep sleep, to enhance our ability to retain and recall information. A recent study, published in Nature, investigated the effect of a specific odor on memory consolidation during sleep. Participants who were exposed to a rose scent while learning vocabulary words, and then again during sleep, showed improved performance on a test compared with those who did not receive the scent cue. This study builds upon previous research suggesting that sensory cues, such as sounds or smells, can be used to strengthen the memories formed during the day.The brain works to consolidate these memories during sleep, particularly during slow-wave sleep. A deeper understanding of how memories are consolidated could point to practical ways to improve our sleep habits and support our brain's natural learning processes. However, Michael K. Scullin, PhD, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, notes, "I think the better focus is to improve sleep quality and quantity. That begins with making sleep a priority, and developing a good bedtime routine [...] For students, the best approach is to use effective study strategies while awake [...] and then get a good night's sleep." To dive deeper into the latest research on sleep and memory, and to discover more expert insights on the topic, jump to "How can we harness sleep to enhance our memory?" Also making headlines this week: Sleep quality also plays a role in heart disease and stroke The 2 body types linked to colorectal cancer risk How carbon beads could help boost liver and gut health Roasted green tea could boost cognitive performance We'll return with our regular daily newsletter tomorrow. We love to hear from you, so please get in touch by email if you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this week's Sunday Supplement. Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today In case you missed it 2 body types may be linked to higher colorectal cancer risk   Scientists have found that people with two different body shapes may be at an increased risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of their ancestry. Read on   People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds   Researchers say people treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes than people treated by male physicians. They say there are a number of potential reasons for the difference. Read on   Carbon beads may help reduce liver disease, restore gut health   New research shows that innovative carbon beads — which are capable of absorbing harmful bacteria and toxins — could improve gut health and reduce the progression of liver disease. Read on   Roasted green tea, a Japanese staple, could boost cognitive performance   Research from Japan suggests that roasted green tea, or houjicha, could help boost mental task performance in those who drink it. Read on   Microplastics found in food and water may spread from the gut to the brain   A new study conducted in mice found that microplastics can spread from the gut to other organs in the body, such as the brain. Read on   How quality sleep can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke   Researchers say healthy sleep patterns can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Read on   Zepbound and Mounjaro improve sleep apnea symptoms, Eli Lilly trial shows   A new clinical trial shows that Zepbound and Mounjaro reduced obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in people with obesity. Read on   Western diet may cause long-lasting memory damage to growing brains   A typically Western diet that is high in fat and sugar may lead to long lasting damage to the brain and may cause memory issues, according to a new study in rats. Read on   Signs of MS may be visible in blood years before first flare-up of symptoms   Scientists have identified new biomarkers that show up in the blood years before symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) emerge, which could aid earlier diagnosis. Read on   Keto diet may help lower cholesterol, toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease   New research in rat models of Alzheimer's disease suggests that a ketogenic diet may help lower blood lipids and tau protein levels, improving Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Read on   Can aspirin help prevent colorectal cancer development and progression?   Researchers say daily aspirin use can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer as well as slow disease progression. However, experts note there are some potential serious side effects of taking the pain medication every day. Read on   Women's heart disease is under-diagnosed, but new scoring system could help solve this problem   Researchers are recommending using big data and machine learning to improve the widely used Framingham Risk Score to better diagnose cardiovascular disease in women. Read on   MORE HEALTH NEWS

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