Counselor’s Corner – October 22, 2015

By Susan Causey, M.Ed. LPC

Learning, Memory, and Sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in our physical, emotional and spiritual states. When humans go without sleep for an extended period of time, our cognitive abilities and attention are greatly affected. Even reducing one’s sleep for only one night by 1 and ½ hours could lead to a reduction of daytime attentiveness by up to 32%. * 

          Sleep also plays an important role in learning and memory. Learning involves changes in the strength of synaptic connections between neurons. That means that when we learn something new, there is a stimulation in our brain or a firing of serotonin from a transmitter across a synaptic gap. The more times one focuses on or practices the new skill, the stronger the connection.

          The more modalities one uses, the more associations are formed, and the stronger the skill becomes. Auditory, visual and kinesthetic are three different modalities that form associations in the brain. So, if one hears, sees and uses the body, learning and memory are greatly strengthened. Learning and memory are closely related concepts. Learning is the acquisition of skill or knowledge, while memory is the expression of what you've acquired.

Memory is greatly enhanced through associations. This is why mnemonic devices and putting things to music helps one to remember things. (By the way, the book, Yo Sacramento! by Will Cleveland and Mark Alvarez, is a great tool to help your student learn the states and capitals. The student sees the picture and makes the auditory as well as visual connection for recall.)

Often what is practiced is then rehearsed and strengthened or consolidated during sleep. What someone is focusing on as they fall asleep is very often what is rehearsed. All of this is to make several points:

1.      It is important to take every opportunity to teach your child God’s Word. Remember rehearsal leads to learning and memory.

"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.… And you shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:7-8

2.    Conversely, it is important that your child not “practice and rehearse” things which will encourage violence, anxiety, aggression, isolation, etc. (such as certain video games.)

3.    Routine bedtimes and what your child focuses on before bedtime are important. Prayers and bible reading are a great way to end the day and to prepare for the next day.

4.    Encourage your child to learn his academics through different modalities.

Happy Parenting! Counselor Causey

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/important-sleep-habits