Improving Your Memory is as Easy as 1, 2, Zzz!
People naturally forget things. Between short-term memory and long-term memory, the human brain is constantly working to sort and store the things which we need to function. However, there is a quick and easy way for us to strengthen parts of our long-term memory. In fact, it’s so simple that we can do it in our sleep.
Procedural Memory – The Basic What and Why
Long-term memory breaks down into two different types of memory, which each serve a different function: procedural memory and declarative memory. Declarative memory is the memory which stores hard information. It helps us to remember our life experiences and “general world knowledge,” i.e. facts, ideas, meanings, and concepts. Declarative memory is what tells you that a cat is a cat, that the cat is yours, and that your cat loves you (when it’s feeding time).
Procedural memory is a little more complex. More specifically, it helps you with things like how to drive, how to deliver that important presentation, how to play sports or games, and even how to tie your shoes. Anything that you need to learn and practice to do is honed by procedural memory. As we always say, practice makes perfect. But what we don’t always know is how sleep solidifies that practice for us so that we can access it in the future.
How Sleep Can Help
According to Harvard researcher Dr. Robert Stickgold, a good night’s rest helps our brains pack together everything we picked up during the day into the procedural memory, making the information easy to access.
So what’s the best way to make sure that our procedural memory is at peak condition? Of course, the easiest solution is to sleep more. An increase in sleep means an increase in REM time which leads to better memory consolidation and et cetera. Sometimes though, getting a good night’s sleep can be tough. Stress can lead to tossing and turning, or even sleepless nights. We would therefore like to recommend Super Good Stuff’s REM Sleep Plus, which provides a natural way to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and get that REM goodness that your memory craves to keep on trekking. Plus, it supports adrenals and stress while getting your zzz’s. The DHEA/Pregnenolone in Sleep & Adrenal Support, improves memory function, 5-HTP makes tryptophan to support the body to sleep restfully and the patented delivery system requires less melatonin. All proven ingredients your brain will thank you for!
Sarode, Deep Pramod, Daniel Mathie, Neng Gao, Lewis Gray, Ian Monaghan, Andrew Preston, Matthew Twomey, and Marianne Watters. "A Sleep to Remember: The Effects of Sleep on Memory." Res Medica RM 21.1 (2013): 23-36. Web. 25 May 2016.
Schnabel, Jim. "Your Memories Need Their Sleep." Your Memories Need Their Sleep. The Dana Foundation, 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 25 May 2016.
"Sleep, Learning, and Memory." Sleep, Learning, and Memory. Harvard Medical School, 18 Dec. 2007. Web. 25 May 2016.
Stickgold, Robert, LaTanya James, and J. Allan Hobson. "Visual Discrimination Learning Requires Sleep after Training." Nature Neuroscience 3 (2000): 1237-238. Web. 25 May 2016.
"Why Is Sleep Important?" NHLBI, NIH. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 22 Feb. 2012. Web. 25 May 2016.