The Art of Nothingness
Neuronugget #2
Rest and neural reorganisation: When doing nothing leads to mass neural changes!
Insight: Rest and Neural Reorganisation
Cognitive Aging and Neural Changes: As we age, our brain undergoes widespread neural reorganisation processes. These changes impact various cognitive functions.
Semantic Memory and Communication: Semantic memory refers to our general knowledge of words, concepts, and ideas. Remarkably, it tends to remain preserved through adulthood and into old age, allowing communication abilities to stay intact.
Memory Challenges with Age: Despite this preservation, older adults may experience memory difficulties during verbal communication, such as word-finding issues and tip-of-the-tongue moments.
Access and Retrieval Processes: These challenges are linked to less efficient access and retrieval processes during language production. These processes rely on semantic knowledge and cognitive control functions (e.g., working memory, attention, inhibitory control), which tend to decline with age.
Neuro Aspect: Brain Plasticity and Rest
Dendritic Growth and Brain Plasticity: Research indicates that sleep plays a crucial role in dendritic growth—the extensions at the end of neurons. Strengthening these connections enhances brain plasticity.
Neurogenesis and Repair: Adequate sleep supports neurogenesis, the process by which the brain repairs and changes. Sleep allows for neural repair and metabolic clearance, contributing to overall brain health.
Balancing Network Architecture: During rest, the brain consolidates memories, strengthens synaptic connections, and enhances learning. A balanced network architecture—combining integration and segregation—is associated with more efficient processing.
In summary, rest periods are essential for maintaining brain health, optimising cognitive function, and facilitating neural reorganisation. So, the next time you take a break, know that your brain is hard at work behind the scenes!
If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit