Sample Literature Review Essay On Sleep And Memory

This literature review will identify and address ongoing themes seen throughout several articles regarding sleep and memory, specifically the effects that sleep has on memory. Throughout every article the research shows that sleep is found to improve memory. However, the question is what kind of memory is supported by sleep and what type of sleep is best for improving memory. In the articles, research studies show the effects and ask what type of sleep is best for memory, and what memory is most positively influenced. The conclusion is that as sleep progresses into slow wave sleep, the outcome on memory is sufficient and necessary, specifically its most influential effects, on episodic memory.
There are many different types of memory which …show more content…
Abel and Bauml (2013) conducted research examining sleeps effect on different types of memory interference, retroactive and proactive. Retroactive interference in memory is the effect that new information and learning has on recalling the previously learned information that already exists in the brain. Proactive refers to previously learned material how it interferes with later obtaining of information and learning. The researchers tested their hypothesis by showing the participants one of two lists. The lists were either a single list, which meant there was no interference, or two lists that would interfere with one another. After the lists were presented, the participants were placed in a condition of either sleep or wake. After the period of sleep or wake, participants were tested on their recall and what was interfered with. The results found that sleep reduced both kinds of interference (Abel & Bauml, 2013). Episodic memory is often affected by interference, again supporting the idea of being a beneficiary of sleep. Throughout these discussed studies, there was no manipulation or control over the types of sleep, but many researchers hone in on the specific types of sleep and the roles which they