Memory, sleep, brainwaves and language learning

Dr. Olaf Lahl at the University of Dusseldorf, Germany did a study. The results of his study was, 30 volunteers were asked to memorizes a list of words. Then an hour break. Some of the memory study participants were allowed to take a 6 minute nap -sleep. Others were not allowed to sleep. The ones that slept, had an such a marked improvement in memory, that it was like a whole nights sleep in terms of increased mental efficiency and memory. During sleep the brain reorganizes information and forms connections.

What are the implications for language learning? I would recommend napping after learning words. Or learning words right before you go to sleeep. Also in my opinion listening to brainwaves will help. Listening to various deep paterns of brainwaves after you learn will help in retention. I include delta frequencies in my program. Your brain needs to process what you have done and learned during sleep, even if its only 6 minutes a day. So the next time you fall asleep at work, or even during language class, if you get caught, say you are doing it in to increase your memory and mental efficiency.

Tags: brainwaves, brainwaves and language learning, How to learn a language, learn a language, memory, sleep