Sleep is integral in processing, storing and recalling memories, especially “gist” memories that give the overall message of what occurred.

Do you have trouble remembering certain details or information? Sleep has long been known to be a major factor in how well we remember what has happened as well as how easily and accurately we can pull up these memories. New research suggests that sleep also may help in recalling the “gist,” or basic outline, of memories as well. If you have found that you often cannot remember the things that you need to know, getting enough quality sleep may be the answer.

How Does Our Brain Remember?

While we think of memory as relatively simple, it is actually a complex multistep process. We first have to pay attention to the information at hand long enough for it to be converted to neurological impulses, a process called encoding. This information is then consolidated, or stored in our brain cells. Retrieval is the last step, in which we can call up and use information that we have attained. In addition to these three steps, people also often have associations with memories that allow us recall them. If you have ever found yourself unable to remember a word that is at the tip of your tongue, recall is the part of the process that is to blame.

What if there was a way to make it easier to remember information, or at least to remember the “gist” of this information? Research suggests that the amount of time spent sleeping as well as the quality of this sleep may be partially responsible.

Sleep and Memory

Sleep has long been known to help with encoding memories. Conversely, a lack of sleep can contribute to memory loss, with many people struggling on basic short-term memory tests after even one sleepless night. However, long-term memory also appears to be affected by sleep.

One type of long-term memory is known as gist memory, which is remembering the overall concept or basic idea of an event. Gist memory can be important because it triggers more detailed memory or at least gives people an idea of what they’ve experienced or learned. According to a new study, sleep is an especially important part of this type of memory.

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Gist Memory Encoding and Retrieval

There are a few ways that sleep can improve gist memory. First, researchers have found that people who go to sleep soon after encoding a memory are more likely to remember the basic facts of this memory as far off as a year later. This is especially true of memories that are formed using visual perception. Second, the timing of study may be more important than previously realized. While people who went to sleep immediately after encoding the information showed better long-term gist memory, those who went to sleep hours after saw no memory benefit.

What does this mean for people who wish to improve their long-term memory? Sleep remains an important part of forming, consolidating and retrieving memories. However, certain types of memory appear to last longer when people hit the sack immediately after encountering the information. This is especially true if you sleep long enough to have a period of REM sleep, which appears to be the time when memories are best most effectively formed.

Are you interested in building a better memory? If you wish to remember at least the rudimentary “gist” facts about a situation or topic, you should consider reviewing it immediately before bedtime or a nap. While this is only one study, the evidence is clear that sleep and timing both can make a huge difference when it comes to memory.