
09/10/2025
REM Sleep Reactivation Locks Memories in Place
REM sleep isn’t just for dreaming—it’s when memories are secured.
A new study found that hippocampal adult-born neurons reactivate during REM sleep in mice, replaying waking experiences.
This reactivation, synchronized with theta brain waves, ensures memories are consolidated into long-term storage.
Blocking the process disrupted recall, explaining why losing these neurons—as in Alzheimer’s—can devastate memory function.