The memories are so vivid that with each recollection it feels like you are reliving those moments. This is especially true for negative memories that are bitter and emotionally difficult. A certain word or image can trigger negative memories. The clarity of these memories makes it seem like you are reliving them. Sometimes wishful thinking occurs about erasing these distressing memories in order to get rid of the pain caused by the distressing experience. Well, if not deleted, then you can weaken negative memories.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed the possibility of weakening negative memories with the help of sleep. Let’s take a look at how research relies on sleep to dull the intensity of negative memories.
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The power of sleep
Researchers sought to reduce negative memories by activating positive memories during sleep. It can help reduce the suffering of traumatic memories. The researchers called this “targeted memory reactivation.” This opens up possibilities for healing traumatic experiences.
Researchers harnessed the power of sleep to target negative memories. It is a known fact that sleep plays a fundamental role in the processing of memories. Sleep is useful because it does not require conscious emotional effort like traditional methods (therapy). This involves the person consciously confronting negative memories in an attempt to reduce their intensity during therapy. Many people struggle with this, which affects their physical and mental well-being.
In contrast, sleep-based techniques provide a gentler and more passive approach. No need for conscious recall.
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Replace with positive memories
37 participants took part in the study. During the experiments, participants learned to associate certain words with negative images to create negative memories. Later, some of these words were paired with positive images to create “interfering” positive memories.
During sleep, the researchers played these words quietly while the participants were in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This is important for processing memories. Reactivating memories during sleep helped reduce the power of negative ones.
Triggering positive memories during sleep significantly reduced recall of negative ones. When the same word was associated with both positive and negative images, people remembered the positive ones more. This shows that the introduction of positive memories can weaken the intensity of negative memories.
Sleep naturally plays a key role in organizing and preserving memories. By affecting the brain during a specific phase of sleep, the researchers could subtly influence the processing of memories, reducing the emotional impact of negative memories without requiring conscious effort.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
