Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation, or the lack of adequate sleep, impairs the cognitive functions of the brain as well as spatial learning. When a person doesn't receive enough sleep at night, she experiences a longer reaction time, impaired memory and a shorter attention span. In addition, spatial learning capability is compromised. When learning a spatial task, such as remembering directions to a new destination, production of new cells in the hippocampus increases. Since sleep plays an important role in keeping new brain cells alive, a deficiency in sleep would undo the cell rejuvenation benefits typically associated with learning the new task. Sleep deprivation eliminates the potential benefit of new learning on the hippocampus, thereby decreasing the ability to learn.
REM Sleep
According to a study conducted by German scientists at the University of Bamberg Department of Physiological Psychology, rapid-eye movement sleep (REM) not only enhances emotional memory, but also learning retention. Following this study, a study by Harvard Medical School concluded that REM sleep is essential for learning complete tasks, making decisions and integrating the information that was taken in during the day but not processed. Proper amounts of REM sleep aids in securing memory and in at least some types of learning.
Good Sleep
Important for brain development and consolidating the information taken in while awake by converting memory into more permanent forms, getting enough sleep each night plays an in learning. Needed as much before learning (for recall) as after learning (for consolidation), a good night's sleep enhances the ability to learn and recall information.
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