Missing sleep may lead to false memories

Lack of night sleep can lead to errors in memory, a new study has warned. Researchers at Michigan State University and the University of California, Irvine found participants deprived of a night's sleep were more likely to flub the details of a simulated burglary they were shown in a series of images. (Read: Sleep well to prevent heart disease)

Distorted memory can have serious consequences in areas such as criminal justice, researchers said. 'We found memory distortion is greater after sleep deprivation,' said Kimberly Fenn, MSU associate professor of psychology and co-investigator on the study. 'And people are getting less sleep each night than they ever have,' said Fenn. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in US calls insufficient sleep an epidemic and said it's linked to vehicle crashes, industrial disasters and chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. (Read: How warm milk before bed helps you sleep well)

The researchers conducted experiments to gauge the effect of insufficient sleep on memory. Participants who were kept awake for 24 hours - and even those who got five or fewer hours of sleep - were more likely to mix up event details than participants who were well rested. 'People who repeatedly get low amounts of sleep every night could be more prone in the long run to develop these forms of memory distortion. 'It's not just a full night of sleep deprivation that puts them at risk,' Fenn said. (Read: What's not letting you sleep)

The study was published in the journal Psychological Science.

Here are some tips to sleep better

1. Stick to your sleep time Each one of one is unique, even with our sleep patterns. Some people feel refreshed with only 6 hours of sleep; others might need 9 10 hours. Know what your body needs. Fix up your sleep time accordingly. Always maintain regular sleep and waking up times to regularize your sleep patterns.
2. Visit the doctor Your physician can help to review any drugs, medical conditions or stressful situations that may be causing your insomnia or making it worse.
3. Lifestyle management Maintain a routine that is not extreme. If your work demands it, balance it by other factors like diet and a healthy mental state. Meditation, creative visualization may help you be calmer and restful.
4. Daytime sleepiness Stop those afternoon naps. Indulge in some physical activity that requires you to move about during that time. Read more about Having trouble sleeping? Get help with these expert tips!

With inputs from PTI

Photo source: Getty images

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