Study: Memory can be improved while sleeping

  

November 19, 2009 (WLS) -- The human brain functions best when well rested, but new research finds we can even strengthen our memories during sleep.

Scientists at Northwestern University gave volunteers a memory test involving pictures that also had corresponding sounds.

After learning the task the volunteers took a nap.

Researchers then played the sounds that went with the images for half the group.

When they awoke the participants who heard the sounds in their sleep improved their memory for those items.

Experts say picking up new skills in your sleep may not be possible, but subliminal learning is possible to enhance information already in your brain.

There's more on this study in the journal "Science."

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