Sleep engages the brain in many processes, notably the creation and reactivation of memories. Research indicates that the brain maintains separation of old and new memories during sleep. A study revealed that pupil size changes can indicate different sleep states, with differing patterns observed in REM and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep consolidates memories, while pupil behavior offers insights into memory processing. Researchers further explored hippocampal neuron activity to link memory activation with pupil size changes, enhancing understanding of memory functions during sleep states.
The researchers first examined how the pupils of mice change as they sleep. Mice sleep with their eyes open, making it easier for researchers to track these changes.
They found that the pupils of mice shrank during REM sleep but alternated between shrinking and expanding during non-REM sleep.
Finding a different pattern in pupil changes between REM and non-REM sleep confirmed to the researchers that pupil behavior can be used to identify different sleep states.
Researchers examined the activity of neurons in the hippocampus and investigated if neural activity related to memory activation was linked to pupil size changes.
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