Sleep allows the brain to catch up on the day's events. That is, it buffers certain things to be processed in full later. Disrupt that process - e.g., not enough sleep, alcohol (as a REM sleep disruptor) - and memory will go sideways.
I'd be interested in knowing how many of the prescription drugs common among older adults have REM disruption as a side-effect. I wonder if that's even tested for. Perhaps we're managing one set of ills only to create another?
I'd be interested in knowing how many of the prescription drugs common among older adults have REM disruption as a side-effect. I wonder if that's even tested for. Perhaps we're managing one set of ills only to create another?