Insight : Importance of Sleep for Memory

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2007 - If you want to optimize your memory and intelligence, improve your sleep. That's the message behind the new book "REM Illumination Memory Consolidation."
Written by Timothy J. Walter, MD, a sleep medicine physician and neurologist, "REM Illumination Memory Consolidation" integrates different research findings on sleep and memory into the first-ever cohesive theory about the overall process presented in a way that is easy to understand. Dr. Walter has translated the complex sleep research concepts into plain English using simple analogies so that any reader can benefit from this information.

In the book, Dr. Walter explains how our brains use emotion throughout the day as we live our lives to decide which memories are actually worth keeping. While we sleep, the same emotion in the dream may aid in the storage of the memory.

Dr. Walter explains the amazing discovery of REM sleep windows, which are discrete windows in time following learning when we must dream if we are to permanently store memories. If these REM sleep opportunities are missed, either through sleep deprivation or a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, the opportunity to store specific memories may be lost forever. Getting adequate sleep may improve learning and memory.

In addition to the printed version, "REM Illumination" is available as an e-book or audio book at http://Lotusmagnus.com. Potential buyers can also sample audio chapters at http://tinyurl.com/2e42m5 and purchase the paperback on Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/yqftad.

"Your most valuable asset is your consciousness," said Walter. "That is why I wrote this book."

About the Author

Timothy J. Walter, MD received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He went on to do a residency in neurology at Georgetown University Hospital and a fellowship in sleep medicine and neurophysiology at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is board certified in neurology and sleep medicine. He is currently the co-medical director of Capitol Sleep Medicine Sleep Diagnostic Center in Grove City, Ohio.