Pbs Nova Science Now: Sleep: Classroom Activity

Students practice a procedural skill -- knot tying -- to investigate if and in what way sleep affects learning and memory in relation to a learning a procedural skill. Sleeping is a behavior that is natural and essential for our health and well-being. In fact, it is a biological necessity -- we would die without it. Still, sleep is not yet well understood. It is known that sleep is not a time for all body systems to shut down and rest. Some brain activity actually elevates during sleep, and some hormone secretions increase too. Studies show that sleep affects energy, reaction rate, coordination, concentration, and focus. Lack of sleep often results in costly and even deadly consequences.