Experts Hint at New Form of Human Memory

Investigators from the Michigan State University (MSU) discovered numerous differences between conscious and sleep-time memory processes, which they say is indicative of a separate form of memory acting in the brain. The team refers to this memory as distinct from traditional memory systems.

The fact that sleep plays an important role in consolidating memories has been known for a very long time, but experts continuously failed in their attempts to discover the intricate nature of this connection.

MSU researchers have made important strides in this direction with their new study. They noticed that the aforementioned differences in memory processes appeared to be directly related to each other, even if one of them acted during consciousness, and the other exclusively during sleep.

Lead study researcher Dr. Kimberly Fenn explains that the results of the new investigation hint at the existence of a “separate form of memory, distinct from traditional memory systems,” a fundamental ability of sorts that has never been investigated before.

“There is substantial evidence that during sleep, your brain is processing information without your awareness and this ability may contribute to memory in a waking state,” the MSU expert argues.

She and her team studied a group of more than 250 test subjects, and noticed that this ability works wonders for some people, whereas for others it doesn't work at all. The group noted significant differences between the effects produced on conscious memory by this weird, hidden processes.

“You and I could go to bed at the same time and get the same amount of sleep, but while your memory may increase substantially, there may be no change in mine. This is the first step to investigate whether or not this potential new memory construct is related to outcomes such as classroom learning,” Fenn says.

This potential separate memory ability is currently not being quantified by any type of intelligence or aptitude tests, including SAT and ACT. Some people may therefore be stigmatized for their forgetfulness, when in fact this may not be their fault.

“Simply improving your sleep could potentially improve your performance in the classroom,” the MSU team leader adds. Details of the new work were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, PsychCentral reports.