In fact, neuroscientists now say that sleep is absolutely critical for key brain functions including learning, memory and performance. The opposite is true. Sleep allows the brain to go to work, filing and storing the day's events.
Most people incorrectly think the brain is resting or recuperating during sleep.
Neurological and sleep experts concur that sleep is essential for the brain to function optimally. However, BSC's survey reveals a disturbing finding. Although the majority of those polled report that their typical weekday requires mental alertness, fully one in three say they don't get enough sleep. In recently published studies, neuroscientists found that sleep allows the brain to take care of the business of memory consolidation. Dr. Bruce McNaughton and Dr. Matthew Wilson, the principle researchers in animal studies conducted at the University of Arizona, link deep sleep to memory.