Sleep and Memory: The Less You Sleep, the Worse Your Memory

This study explores the effects of sleep deprivation on hippocampal function, particularly focusing on sharp-wave ripples (SWRs), which are crucial for memory consolidation. Researchers found that although SWR frequency increases during sleep deprivation, their intensity and amplitude decrease. This reduction weakens neuronal reactivation and replay processes, which are essential for consolidating memories. Furthermore, the study shows that the negative effects of sleep deprivation on memory consolidation are not fully reversible, even after recovery sleep, highlighting the profound impact of sleep loss on hippocampal function and memory stability.

Giri, B., Kinsky, N., Kaya, U. et al. Sleep loss diminishes hippocampal reactivation and replay. Nature 630, 935–942 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07538-2