I really need some sleep. This is an interesting article that describes some of the negative impacts on the brain from losing sleep.

But sleep deprivation impairs spatial learning — including remembering how to get to a new destination. And now scientists are beginning to understand how that happens: Learning spatial tasks increases the production of new cells in an area of the brain involved with spatial memory called the hippocampus. Sleep plays a part in helping those new brain cells survive.

Scientists already know – and most of us can confirm from firsthand experience — that lack of sleep impairs cognitive function. Sleep-restricted individuals have a shorter attention span, impaired memory, and a longer reaction time. “Sleep is necessary for general health, but it now appears that the brain needs sleep more than any other part of the body,” Hairston said.

Learning appears to rejuvenate the brain

Fewer brain cells for the weary

Sleep restriction prompts use of a secondary strategy

Further studies could clarify learning strategies the brain employs

Most interesting was those poor rats that were kept up to prove that it made their brain more spatially stupid. Off for some of that blissful sleep.

“That’s impossible, Rhonda.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 13th, 2006 at 12:50 am and is filed under Science, Scott. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.