Studies indicate a strong link between sleep and memory.
Learning and memory may be described in terms of three functions:
Acquisition—introduction of new information into the brain
Consolidation—processes by which a memory becomes stable
Recall—ability to access the information after it has been store
Learning and memory may be described in terms of three functions:
Acquisition—introduction of new information into the brain
Consolidation—processes by which a memory becomes stable
Recall—ability to access the information after it has been store
While acquisition and recall occur during wakefulness, consolidation is thought to occur during
sleep. Consequently, sleep deprivation is detrimental to all three functions of learning and
memory. According to the National Institutes of Health, it causes inability to concentrate the
next day, impaired memory and physical performance, and reduced ability to perform math
calculations. Hallucinations may also develop with extended sleep deprivation. The impact
appears quickly, after only four nights of one fewer hour of sleep per night. The Journal of Clinical
Sleep Medicine states, “Sleep is essential for optimal health in children and adolescents...Sleeping
the number of recommended hours on a regular basis is associated with better health outcomes
including: improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and
mental and physical health.
the number of recommended hours on a regular basis is associated with better health outcomes
including: improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and
mental and physical health.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following number of hours of sleep per 24-hour
period:
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11 to 14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10 to 13 hours
School-aged children (6-13 years): 9 to 11 hours
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8 to 10 hours
Young Adults (18-25 years): 7 to 9 hours
Adults (26-64 years): 7 to 9 hours
Older Adults (65 years and older): 7 to 8 hour
Visit sleepfoundation.org for an extended table of sleep duration recommendations.
Stay tuned for Part II of the Awake to the Power of Sleep Series: From A to ZZZ—Healthy Sleep
Habits for School-Aged Children.
Stay tuned for Part II of the Awake to the Power of Sleep Series: From A to ZZZ—Healthy Sleep
Habits for School-Aged Children.