Sound Stimulation During Sleep Improves Memory

Researchers belonging to the University of Tubingen have discovered that sound stimulation during sleep can actually improve memory.

A recent study by these researchers has suggested that there exists a non invasive method to boost memory and enhance sleep. When sounds were played in accordance to the rhythm of the slow oscillations of the brain of those who were sleeping, they were able to improve these brain oscillations and, thereby, enhance their memory.

According to the coauthor of the study Jan Born, of the University of Tubingen, the results of the study provide an excellent tool for improving sleep rhythms by permitting the introduction of auditory stimulations into the brain at low intensities.

Born and his team of scientists carried out experiments on 11 persons, on different nights, by enabling them to experience sound stimulations or "sham stimulations" which were in harmony with the slow brain oscillations.

After this exposure, the individuals were able to, in a better manner, recall from memory the word associations that they had carried out the previous evening. It was also clearly demonstrated that the stimulations out of sync with the slow brain oscillations did not show the same impact.

There are a lot of people who struggle with memory-related problems and are constantly on the lookout for means to handle their handicap. According to Born, this method for memory improvement can also be used to enhance attention. Research has revealed that there are other objects such as the smell of peppermint and the sound of leaves rustling that can boost memory and improve focus…!

The above study could be useful in helping youngsters with their exam and also help people with learning a new language. The findings of the study have been published in the journal Neuron.

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Source-Medindia