It is critical for us to understand the way we use memory in our learning processes as it the direct function that makes learning possible and retainable. Memory is typically described as either short or long term. Short term memory is also known as our working memory that can last from several minutes to a few hours. The frontal lobes are structures known to be responsible for short term memory while the hippocampus is important in consolidating memory into long term storage. Long term memory is divided into declarative and nondeclarative forms. Declarative memory, also called explicit long term memory, is subdivided into semantic memory and episodic memory.\cite{15892925} Declarative memory is the conscious remembering of previous experiences such as factual information. Semantic memory involves remembering knowledge such as learning text, phone numbers, or trivia. Episodic memory is memory associated with events or locations. Memory processing is categorized into three stages: acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval.\cite{11301237} Acquisition is the time when the individual acquires the information to be remembered. Consolidation is the actual conversion of declarative memory into long term storage. Retrieval is the act of retrieving a memory. Both semantic and episodic memories are consolidated in the hippocampus, which is located in the medial temporal lobe.\cite{11301237} Semantic memories formed over time do not require the hippocampus for retrieval because these memories are retrieved from the cortex. It is unclear whether the hippocampus is required for the retrieval of episodic memory. Memory is the basis for our learning and understanding its neural processes regarding the strengths as well as vulnerabilities with our memories will help us master the workings of learning.
Sleep is of major importance for learning as it is a biological system that aids the memory process and rejuvinates the body. For example, the researcher Bruce McNaughton tracked the activity of neurons in the hippocampi of rats while learning new information and found specific sequence of activation in certain neurons that were very active during the learning which was repeated when the rat was sleeping that indicated memory consolidation.\cite{10753801} Thanks to new brain imaging technologies, studies in humans have shown similar hippocampal activity and have demonstrated the same memory fortification effects during REM sleep. Insufficient sleeping cycles results in decreased attention, executive function, quantitative and logic skills, mood, and motor skills.\cite{19742409} In order to maximize an individual’s efficiency in learning, one must obtain sufficient REM sleep to consolidate the information they are learning.