Finding your keys, remembering a name, or forgetting what you needed at the store happens to everyone. But while it's normal to be forgetful sometimes, it's also important to take care of your memory. When you're about to learn something new, sleep is a crucial first step. Scientists have found that sleep before you learn actually prepares your brain to take in new information. Without enough sleep, your ability to learn new things can drop by as much as 40%. This is because a lack of sleep affects a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is essential for making new memories. How Your Brain Works to Store Memories During Sleep After you've learned something, sleep is even more important. When you first form a memory, it's very fragile. Your brain uses sleep as a special time to go back through recent memories and decide which ones to keep. During the deep stages of sleep, memories become more stable and firm. Research has even shown that memories for skills, like playing a song on the piano, can actually get better while you're asleep. After deep sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep—the stage where you dream—helps to link related memories together in new and unexpected ways. This is why a full night of sleep can help with problem-solving. REM sleep also helps you process and reduce the intensity of emotional memories. Link Between Aging, Sleep, and Memory It's a well-known fact that our sleep patterns change as we get older. Unfortunately, the deep sleep that is so important for strengthening memories starts to decline in our late 30s. A study found that adults over the age of 60 had a 70% loss of deep sleep compared to young adults (ages 18-25). This reduction in deep sleep was directly linked to having a harder time remembering things the next day. Scientists are now looking into ways to improve deep sleep in older people. Since there are few medical treatments for memory problems in old age, improving sleep could be a very promising way to help people hold onto their memories as they get older. Ultimately, whether you are a student or an older adult, it's important to know that the sleep you get after you study is just as vital as the sleep you get before you study. When it comes to sleep and memory, you get very little benefit from cutting corners. Some Other Ways To Improve Your Memory Here are some simple ways you can keep your brain health in check. Be Active Every Day Exercise gets blood flowing to your entire body, including your brain. This can help keep your memory sharp. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, like walking fast, each week. Even a few 10-minute walks a day can help. Keep Your Mind Busy Just like exercise strengthens your body, mental activities keep your brain strong. To help prevent memory loss, try things like reading, doing puzzles, playing games, or learning a new skill or musical instrument. Spend Time with Others Being social can help you avoid stress and depression, both of which can lead to memory loss. Make an effort to spend time with friends and family, especially if you live alone. Stay Organized When things are messy, it's easy to forget. Use a notebook, calendar, or digital planner to keep track of tasks and appointments. To help remember things, you can repeat them out loud as you write them down. Keep important items like your keys and wallet in the same spot so you can always find them. Get Enough Sleep Not getting enough sleep can be linked to memory loss. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night on a regular basis. If snoring or restless sleep is an issue, talk to your doctor, as it could be a sign of a sleep problem. Eat Healthy Foods A healthy diet is good for your brain. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, choose lean proteins like fish and beans. Be mindful of how much alcohol you drink, as too much can cause confusion and memory loss. Manage Health Problems Follow your doctor's advice for managing any long-term health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression. Taking good care of your body can help you take better care of your memory. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor about any medicines you take, as some can affect your memory.