The theory that sleep aids memory consolidation and helps restore and rebuild the experiences and memories of the day is known as what?

• A. Activation Synthesis
• B. Consolidation Theory
• C. Circadian Rhythm
• D. Marijuana

Answer: (B)

Consolidation Theory explains why sleep helps memory. The idea is that during sleep the brain replays and reorganizes the day’s experiences, which strengthens the connections that form memories and integrates new information into existing knowledge networks. Slow-wave sleep and REM play key roles in stabilizing memories and reducing interference, effectively restoring and rebuilding what happened during the day so it becomes part of long-term memory.

Activation-Synthesis isn’t about stabilizing memories; it’s about dreams arising from random brain activity. Circadian rhythm describes the timing of our sleep-wake cycle, not the memory consolidation process. Marijuana is a drug and not a theory about how sleep affects memory consolidation.