7

Sleep and Memory

Answer: B

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?

A. Sleep prevents the brain from forming new memories
B. Sleep helps strengthen and organize memories ✓
C. Morning studying is more effective than evening studying
D. Deep sleep occurs only when people are tired

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. The text describes how "memories are consolidated during sleep" through replay, which "strengthen[s] important memories."

Key Evidence:

• "strengthening important memories"
• "allowing less relevant information to fade"

Why others are wrong: A (opposite—sleep helps, not prevents), C (opposite—studying before sleep is better), D (not mentioned).