The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the correlational method as a means for examining the relationship between REM sleep and memory. I will describe previous research and then investigate how REM and memory are associated in young people and in older people. In some ways, the sleep patterns of these two groups are very similar, but in some ways they are not. 1a. In the normal brain, REM sleep is the stage of sleep during which the body tends to be very relaxed, with little to no movement of the muscles. However, it is possible to observe occasional slight movements, called twitches, while one is in the REM stage of sleep. Despite the observable calmness of the body during this stage of sleep, heart and breathing rates increase during REM …show more content…
It is for this reason that there is a difference in observed EEG waves between young and old people. For instance, there would most likely be less delta waves observed in an older individual because they are more easily awoken from sleep and do not spend as much time as a younger individual does in a deep sleep. 1d. Circadian rhythm is considered the biological clock of the body that is responsible for the regularities the body experiences on a daily basis. There is a certain time when thinking and memory are at the highest possible function and this time is referred to as the daily peak in circadian arousal; it is at this time that memory is most precise and thinking is most clear. There is a distinct difference between the circadian rhythm of a young individual than that of an older individual. A younger individual has more energy and is more productive later in the day because his or her energy further develops as the day progresses. On the contrary, an older individual often times has more energy earlier in the day and typically loses energy as the day …show more content…
However, a complete understanding of the roles of REM and non-REM sleep in learning and memory has been elusive. 2a. REM sleep is important for the absorption of new information because sleep aids in the solidification of what was learned while awake. Specifically, REM sleep stimulates memory of previously learned material and that is often why people find it easier to remember things after they are well rested. Another piece of evidence that suggests the importance of REM sleep to consolidate learning after studying is that the act of sleeping prevents new memories from being formed, therefore, the brain can process what was previously studied rather than various things at once. This evidence does not, however, discredit the importance of non-REM sleep in the absorption of new information because all of the stages of sleep play significant roles in recall. 2b. It has been concluded that animals restricted from sleeping tend to have a difficult time learning. This can be due to an increase in stress, however, this might not be the only cause. During sleep, memories are stimulated and more easily recalled upon consciousness and because the animals lack sleep, they lack this recall of previously learned material as well. 2c. Acetylcholine is an example of a neurotransmitter that might enhance learning after REM sleep. Acetylcholine, also known as ACh, is involved in the