Running Head How Does Sleep Or Rest Improve Memory

Running head HOW DOES SLEEP OR REST IMPROVE MEMORY? 1 2 HOW DOES SLEEP OR REST IMPROVE MEMORY? How Does Sleep or Rest Improve Memory? Name: Instructor: Institution: Class: Date: Introduction The strategic adaptation of organisms involves essential phenomena such as the ability to form memories, which is critical to the dynamic environmental demands. Theories and research studies indicating that sleep is beneficial to memory have had a continuous and long history dating back to the earliest experimental memory researches and fitted with different concepts and conclusions. During the past few decades, ?memory and sleep? research has been very active with several claims and counterclaims concerning the effects of†¦show more content†¦Background Throughout history, humanity?s devotion to perpetual commitments has been met with varied responses concerning the resultant effects and consequences. Some contend that perpetual commitments without rest or with limited rest are not particularly healthy and does not translate to greater productivity, while others oppose this notion and argue that there is no conclusive evidence that the reverse attracts or is associated with negative ramifications. Several scholars and researchers have proposed numerous theories and interpreted several empirical findings concerning the relationship between sleep, rest, and memory. Current research indicates that as much as the individual is daydreaming or relaxing, the brain does not stop working. Similar to the manner in which an array of physiological, genetic, and molecular processes occur at night during sleep, several significant mental processes also require a ?downtime? or a type of rest. This is because ?downtime? has a positive effect of replenishing the brain?s stores of motivation and attention, thus, encouraging creativity and productivity. Furthermore, ?downtime? is an essential component that is very instrumental and beneficial in forming stable memories and achieving the highest performance levels possible. Literature Review This literature review delves into four peer reviewed articles concerning the relationships between sleep, rest, and memory. The effects of how sleep and