Cornell Study Links Pupil Size to Memory Formation

Recent research from Cornell University has unveiled that pupil size during non-REM sleep is crucial for understanding memory consolidation, with contracted pupils indicating the processing of new memories and dilated pupils signaling the replay of older memories. This study, which involved tracking the brain activity and pupil changes of mice during sleep, revealed that these fluctuations are not random but correspond to specific sleep substages, preventing 'catastrophic forgetting'. The findings, published in Nature, suggest potential applications in enhancing human memory and improving artificial neural networks. Additionally, a separate study highlights how REM sleep restores function in brain regions responsible for suppressing intrusive memories, emphasizing the role of sleep in managing emotional health. Sleepwalking, another sleep phenomenon, is linked to various triggers and remains a mystery, with historical cases raising questions about the awareness of sleepwalkers. Understanding these sleep-related processes could lead to better management of sleep disorders and mental health conditions.