The following text discusses recent research.
Sleep researchers have found that memories are consolidated during sleep through a process called "replay." During deep sleep, the brain essentially replays the day's experiences, strengthening important memories and allowing less relevant information to fade. This explains why students who study before sleeping often remember material better than those who study in the morning. The finding has practical implications for optimizing learning.
Based on the text, what is the relationship between sleep and memory?
Sleep prevents the brain from forming new memories
Sleep helps strengthen and organize memories
Morning studying is more effective than evening studying
Deep sleep occurs only when people are tired
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text describes how "memories are consolidated during sleep" through replay, which "strengthen[s] important memories."
- Evidence: Sleep involves "strengthening important memories."
- Reasoning: The replay process organizes what to keep and what to let fade.
- Conclusion: Sleep actively helps with memory consolidation.
Choice A is incorrect because sleep strengthens, not prevents, memories. Choice C is incorrect because the text says studying before sleep is better. Choice D is incorrect because tiredness is not mentioned as a factor.