Sleep deprivation affects the brain in a number of ways. Now it would appear that sleep deprivation can lead to the creation of false memories.
Researchers at Michigan State University and the University of California, Irvine asked 104 individuals to look at pictures of a crime being committed. One group was allowed to sleep whilst the other was made to stay awake overnight.
Those who were sleep deprived and read false information about the scene were more likely to report remembering the false information compared to those who slept overnight.
It's thought that anything less than 5 hours of sleep each night can lead to the formation of false memories.
Probably best not to rely on an insomnia sufferer as a witness, then.
Source: Psychological Science
Improve your sleep in two weeks: Over 5,000 insomniacs have completed my free insomnia sleep training course and 97% of graduates say they would recommend it to a friend. Learn more here.
Last updated: July 29, 2014
