There has been an ongoing debate about whether sleep aids a type of memory called declarative memory, which allows you to recall learned facts and events. There is new evidence indicating sleep improves your ability to recall information.
A study examined 60 people who had their memory tested. They were required to memorize 20 paired words, and then tested on them 12 hours later. Some were also taught an additional 20 paired words as a distraction. Both those in the “distracted” group and the “non-distracted” group did better if they were allowed to sleep between learning and testing. This could mean that sleep is not an inactive state, but an important period for the consolidation of memories and other brain functions.
Memory is affected by sleep. Sleep is definitely not a passive process; it is critical both for your optimum brain function and for your general health. Most people aren’t getting nearly enough of the sleep they should be. This is a problem as sleep is critical to maintaining optimal health and for that reason alone should be at the top of your priority list. The average number of hours that my patients seem to get is around 7. If you wake up feeling rested and refreshed and not like a Mac truck hit you then you are getting enough sleep. Otherwise, evaluate your sleep habits.
Unfortunately, our careers and jobs often force us to work and worry 24-7, and some people believe the more effort you make, the more dedicated, smarter and productive you’ll be. This is not the case, for you may actually be trading your health for a fatter paycheck!
Memory impairment is a challenge for many of my patients, especially those older than 40. It is a near-universal problem for those who are not following an optimal eating program and following through with a regular exercise program.
It is very important to eat a diet as free of sugar as possible. Sugar is one of the main culprits linked to memory loss. And you should also consider optimizing your source of omega 3 fatty acids. A lack of omega-3 is often associated with memory problems in my clinical experience. Omega 3 fatty acid has been show to be an effective anti-inflammatory. Some authors advocate that another natural way to improve your memory is to eat raw eggs. The risk of Salmonella infection is actually very low. If you are not used to eating fresh raw egg, start by eating just a tiny bit of it on a daily basis, and then gradually increase the portions.
Fresh raw egg yolk tastes like vanilla and is best combined with vegetable pulp or avocado. Only stir it gently with a fork, because egg protein is easily damaged on a molecular level, even by mixing or blending.
There are also a number of conventional tricks and mnemonic techniques you can use to improve your memory. You can check out www.web-us.com/memory/mnemonic_techniques.htm for ideas. Of course practice makes perfect. Use your memory or you will lose it.
