18.09.2013Brain Activity during State of Rest and State of Sleep

Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng, Mercator Research Group “Structure of Memory”, Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Everybody likes to lay back and have a break sometimes. But what does our brain do during these breaks? Does it also take a rest? Current research is suggesting the contrary. Even during rest and sleep the brain remains active. Information is being received and processed. Memories are being recalled and strengthened. Brain activity during states of rest plays an important role for learning and memory. Therefore it may not be such a far-fetched idea to rather go to sleep than continue learning the night before an important exam.