Sleep is a critical part of life; it helps our bodies to repair and restore themselves. During sleep, our brains are still active, and a new field of research is uncovering evidence that the brain is capable of learning during sleep. This process is known as sleep learning, and although it is still an area of active research, there is evidence to suggest that it is possible.
Definition
Sleep learning, also referred to as hypnopedia, is the process of learning while sleeping. It is a form of implicit learning, meaning that the individual is not consciously aware of the information they are learning. It is thought that information is processed and stored in the brain during sleep, allowing for the acquisition of new knowledge.
Characteristics
Sleep learning is thought to take place during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During this phase of sleep, the brain is very active, and new information can be transmitted from short-term to long-term memory. It is believed that sleep learning is most effective when the information being learned is associated with an emotional response. This emotional response is thought to help the brain to store the information more effectively.
Although sleep learning is possible, it is not necessarily the most effective way to learn. Studies have shown that learning during sleep can be unreliable, and it is not as effective as learning during wakefulness. As such, sleep learning is best used to supplement traditional learning methods.
For further reading:
1. Lahl, O., Wispel, C., Willigens, B., & Pietrowsky, R. (2008). A review of the effects of partial sleep deprivation on memory processes. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 12(2), 153-169.
2. Schreiner, T., & Rasch, B. (2013). Sleep learning: A review of consolidated memory formation during sleep. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 1-12.
3. Ngo, H., & Danker, J. (2015). Implicit learning during sleep: A review of recent findings. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 21, 30-38.