Memory Consolidation Research Paper
Critically evaluate the evidence that memory consolidation is one of the primary functions of sleep
For centuries people have considered the idea that sleep has an impact on learning and memory (Stickgold, 2005). However, in the last couple of decades this topic has experienced a surge in research; this has led to huge advances in our understanding, particularly surrounding sleep-dependent memory consolidation (Stickgold, 2005). Memory consolidation is the process whereby new memories are encoded, strengthened, and integrated into existing knowledge; these processes are termed stabilization, enhancement and integration, respectively (Walker, Stickgold, Alsop, Gaab, & Schlaug (2005). It is thought that memory consolidation occurs during …show more content…
For example, …examined the effects of sleep deprivation on memory consolidation in rats using the Morris Water Maze, which uses non-decarative and delcatrive memory. The rats were sleep deprived after training for contextual and cued fear conditioning. They found that sleep deprivation 0–5 h after training impaired memory consolidation only for contextual fear conditioning. However, some researchers would argue this actually just reflects the effects of stress on cognition. For example, the restoration theory of sleep states that it is necessary for maintenance and to restore energy, with studies have shown a relationship between wound healing, immune system functioning, growth hormone levels and the removal of free radicals in the brain. For example, sleep deprivation has been reliably linked to increasing stress levels, shown by increases in glucorticoids, which have been shown to affect cognition. Despite this, there are a few studies, whereby we can rule out the effects of stress. Kheirandish-Gozal et al., (2010) studied 54 children with obstructive apnea, to examine the impact this has on their visual memory. Compared to controls, these children experienced poor performance on both long term and short term memory recall. This suggests the disturbance OSA causes to the stages of sleep disrupts memory consolidation. Furthermore the fact that hibernating animals sleep afterwards, cannot be explained by either the sleep consolidation or restoration
For centuries people have considered the idea that sleep has an impact on learning and memory (Stickgold, 2005). However, in the last couple of decades this topic has experienced a surge in research; this has led to huge advances in our understanding, particularly surrounding sleep-dependent memory consolidation (Stickgold, 2005). Memory consolidation is the process whereby new memories are encoded, strengthened, and integrated into existing knowledge; these processes are termed stabilization, enhancement and integration, respectively (Walker, Stickgold, Alsop, Gaab, & Schlaug (2005). It is thought that memory consolidation occurs during …show more content…
For example, …examined the effects of sleep deprivation on memory consolidation in rats using the Morris Water Maze, which uses non-decarative and delcatrive memory. The rats were sleep deprived after training for contextual and cued fear conditioning. They found that sleep deprivation 0–5 h after training impaired memory consolidation only for contextual fear conditioning. However, some researchers would argue this actually just reflects the effects of stress on cognition. For example, the restoration theory of sleep states that it is necessary for maintenance and to restore energy, with studies have shown a relationship between wound healing, immune system functioning, growth hormone levels and the removal of free radicals in the brain. For example, sleep deprivation has been reliably linked to increasing stress levels, shown by increases in glucorticoids, which have been shown to affect cognition. Despite this, there are a few studies, whereby we can rule out the effects of stress. Kheirandish-Gozal et al., (2010) studied 54 children with obstructive apnea, to examine the impact this has on their visual memory. Compared to controls, these children experienced poor performance on both long term and short term memory recall. This suggests the disturbance OSA causes to the stages of sleep disrupts memory consolidation. Furthermore the fact that hibernating animals sleep afterwards, cannot be explained by either the sleep consolidation or restoration