Replicating brain activity while we snooze could help to improve our memories

Anyone who has had a bad night's sleep will know that the impact it can have on your ability to think clearly and remember things the following day. But it appears that we may be able to improve our retrieval of memories, by simulating how our brains work during sleep. New research has discovered the brain circuit that controls how certain memories are consolidated in the brain overnight. Researchers from the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan have now shown how manipulating a specific brain circuit can prevent or enhance the memories you retain. Masanori Murayama, who led the study, said: 'Our findings on sleep deprivation are particularly interesting from a clinical perspective.