What is Memory Consolidation?

Throughout the day your experiences are recorded as short term memory inside the neurons of your brain. Memory consolidation is the process by which short term memories are transcribed into long term memories. This is somewhat similar to computer memory.

RAM is short term computer memory, quickly available, but limited in size and lost when the computer is switched off. A hard drive on the other hand has a large capacity and retains memory even when the computer is switched off.

Memory consolidation happens while you sleep. Declarative memories - memories of facts and knowledge - are consolidated mostly in deep sleep. Deep sleep is also called NREM 3, or slow wave sleep. Procedural memories are consolidated mostly in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, featuring dreams.