Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have made significant progress in understanding the role of deep sleep, also known as slow wave sleep, in supporting the formation of memories in the brain. A recent study has clarified what happens during this stage of sleep, revealing that it strengthens synaptic connections between neurons in the neocortex, making it more receptive to forming memories.
According to Franz Xaver Mittermaier, a scientific staff member at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and first author of the study, slow wave activity during deep sleep “tunes” the synapses between brain cells, making them particularly strong when the neocortex changes from a DOWN-state to an UP-state. This increased receptivity allows the hippocampus, which stores short-term memories, to replay past experiences, leading to a transfer into long-term storage.
The study’s findings suggest that sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and may help scientists develop preventive strategies against dementia. Experts agree that understanding the sleeping brain is essential for tackling disorders such as memory impairment in the elderly.
“The ability of slow wave activity to strengthen synapses and stabilize memories at a precise, cellular level is particularly interesting,” said Verna Porter, MD, a board certified neurologist. “This reinforces the critical importance of healthy sleep patterns in maintaining cognitive function.”
Further research is needed to explore how slow wave-driven synaptic mechanisms are altered in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Longitudinal studies can assess whether enhancing deep sleep can slow cognitive decline or improve memory retention in at-risk populations.
Mittermaier noted that the study is only the beginning, and much more work needs to be done to understand the mechanisms at play when the brain sleeps. However, the findings hold promise for developing new approaches to address sleep deficits and support memory formation.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-getting-more-deep-sleep-may-help-improve-memory