Sleep enhances the preservation of positive memories- study

Monday 11th June 2012

Recent research studies presented at the 19th Annual Meeting of Cognitive Neuroscience Society in Chicago imply that sleep accentuates the preservation of positive memories, whereas consciousness can cause these memories to decay.

Rebecca Spencer of The University of Massachusetts Amherst and her colleagues conducted a test on a group of 70 young adults. Two groups were formed, where each group had to observe positive images of puppies, flowers and other neutral items. 12 hours later each group members memories and emotional responses were examined by researchers. Results found indicate positive memories and images become more processed whilst sleeping, and negative memories accelerated when awake. Therefore an increase in an individual’s amount of sleep can help restore their positive memories.

Spencer also suggests in her studies that healthier sleeping can help those suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) or sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Strengthened positive memories through more sleep can help overshadow negative thoughts.

We all have our good and bad days. On a bad day Spencer recommends to sleep more to increase your positive memories of images and events. Tucking into an Ergoflex^® memory foam mattress maybe ideal to help you feel more relaxed and help stimulate maintaining positive memories in your sleep. This mattress can help relieve any pressure points due to the temperature sensitivity of visco-elastic foam that moulds into your body’s contours. This mattress can be increasingly therapeutic on your road to recovery and will ensure a comfortable sleep.

Tags: sleep memory foam mattress

Category: Sleep Research

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