A recent study by a team of researchers has uncovered key mechanisms by which nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep enhances cognitive performance. The research, published in Science, shows that NREM sleep fosters brain synchronization and enhances information encoding, potentially changing our understanding of how sleep boosts brainpower. The study involved monitoring neural activity in macaques during a visual task before and after NREM sleep, finding improved performance and synchronization among neurons after sleep. The researchers also simulated the neural effects of sleep through electrical stimulation, suggesting promising possibilities for future neuromodulation therapies to enhance cognitive function and memory.
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New insights into sleep uncover mechanisms with broad implications for boosting brainpower
