Memory Issues
Memory is essential for our everyday lives. We rely on memories to recall important information, make decisions, and navigate life. When we are sleep-deprived, our memories can suffer. This can lead to difficulty recalling information, making decisions, and functioning optimally.
There are two types of memory, namely short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory allows an individual to recall information for a brief period, while long-term memory helps people remember information for an extended period. Sleep deprivation can impact both types of memory.
When an individual is sleep-deprived, the brain has difficulty encoding new information into their long-term memory. Lack of sleep disables the brain from processing and storing new information effectively. As a result, sleep-deprived people have trouble remembering what they learned the day before or retaining new information they’re presented with.
Sleep deprivation can also lead to lapses in short-term memory. For example, individuals who lack sleep may find themselves forgetting where they placed their keys or what they were doing when they walk into a room. Without sufficient sleep, these memories may never be transferred to our long-term memory and may be entirely forgotten.
