Learn how to better remember important issues

We spend our lives trying to control our memory, and as much as it works most of the time, sometimes it gets out of control. You spend days studying for an important test, but then the dreaded "white" comes along, and it seems you have never seen that subject in your life. But then you hear an old song, and when you realize it, you're singing along without missing any of the lyrics.

Even with a lot of research, human memory is still a complex subject, not fully understood. Ways to improve our ability to absorb knowledge are always welcome, and this new research seems to have uncovered a small detail that can make all the difference between a vague memory and solidly acquired knowledge.

The study

Herriot-Watt University scientists analyzed the influence of moments following an event in shaping his memory. To this end, they developed a research-specific test so that it was possible to analyze not only how well the memory was stored, but also the level of detail involved in that memory. The conclusion was that by remaining silent and without interactions after the test, participants were able to describe the memories in more detail compared to those who did not have this rest period.

According to researcher Dr. Michael Craig, “Recent studies suggest that our brains strengthen the memory of new memories by reactivating them, causing them to automatically reappear minutes later where the brain was first stimulated. This is most evident during sleep or a quiet rest when we are not busy with any other sensory input. ”

Despite the finding of the study, researchers still do not know whether quiet time allows us to just retain more information, or also helps to increase the number of details included in the memory. The next step in research will be to use an EEG to identify exactly why rest can improve memories. With this equipment, it will be possible to determine which areas of the brain are activated at all stages of the process, also confirming that the brain automatically reactivates the newly acquired memory, making it stronger.