Overview

• During the first half of sleep, the brain significantly weakens synaptic connections, supporting the Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis.
• This synaptic weakening prepares the brain for new learning and mental rejuvenation the following day.
• The role of the latter half of sleep remains less understood, with theories suggesting it may involve waste clearance or cell repair.
• Findings are based on studies involving zebrafish, with implications for understanding human sleep patterns.
• Further research is needed to explore the functions of sleep beyond synaptic weakening and to confirm these findings in humans.