The Role of Sleep in Brain's Navigational Mapping

A study by MIT neuroscientists reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in forming cognitive maps in the brain, which are essential for navigation and planning. While "place cells" in the hippocampus mark specific locations, weaker spatial cells connect these points into a cohesive mental map. Sleep refines these connections, enhancing the brain's ability to encode and navigate spaces. This research highlights the importance of subtle neural activity and rest in cognitive mapping.