Sleep and Learning

It's back to school time and that means establishing new routines for your family! One key component of those routines is healthy sleep and how to plan for it. Matthew Walker teaches neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and studies sleep. In his master class on the topic, he explains how "REM sleep bolsters learning and memory." That makes it important for all of us, but especially for kids.

Research shows that one way sleep may contribute to learning is by removing "...harmful toxins, a process that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, researchers say." Getting a good night's rest provides both short-term and long term benefits, and is crucial to kids' and adults' health.

Walker also explains how NREM sleep aids in strengthening our immune system, fighting illness and processing and solving problems. He provides tips on how to get sufficient quantity and quality of sleep. Check it out; your brain (and whole body) will thank you!