Research Reveals Sleep's First Half Essential for Brain Reset

Recent studies highlight the importance of the initial hours of sleep for synaptic weakening, crucial for brain health and learning.

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.