Relaxed Minds Make Better Memories

In a recent study published in the journal Nature, stronger and longer lasting memories are more likely to be formed when a person is relaxed and the memory-related neurons in the brain fire in sync with certain brain waves.

Scientist report that synchronization in the brain is influenced by certain brain waves called “theta waves” which are associated with relaxation as well as influencing learning and memory formation.better memorization

Researchers studied eight volunteers who were shown 100 photos of a range of objects and allowed to view each for one second. Fifteen to 30 minutes later they were shown another 100 photos; 50 new ones and 50 from the first set. They were then asked to recall which ones they had seen before and say how confident they were in their answers. Researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain activity when memories are formed. Researchers found that recognition was stronger when the learning took place while neurons were firing in sync with theta waves, indicating that the brain was relaxed.

Researchers said their findings could help develop new therapies for people with learning disabilities and some types of dementia.

Although this was a relatively small study, only eight people participating, the conclusions are intriguing. The EEG is a sensitive machine for detecting brain waves, and the study subjects reproducibly had better memory during relaxation periods when “delta waves” were present.

The implications from this study are far-reaching. Based on this research, we should study and prepare for tests while we are relaxing. Education, schools and teachers should consider the comfort of their students. Also, as noted by researchers, alzheimer’s patients would likely preform better if relaxed and not in a threatening environment.