Brain-Computer Similarities, 8

Sometimes the human brain fails and is unable to store and retrieve memories from its files. This may be because cells die in the hippocampus, the brain’s search engine. Sometimes cells containing memories die and then the information is gone. Period. In a similar way, a computer may “crash” and lose its ability to locate and access its memory files. Either way, brain or computer, it’s pretty frustrating. If the computer is not maintained properly and “clean-up” work done regularly such as “defragging” (not that I can really explain that term!), the speed at which it works can slow down. If the brain does not get enough sleep sufficient to complete its night-time housekeeping chores, some of your brain functions may slow down, as well. Your brain must get rid of waste products that accumulated while you were awake. In your brain, garbage disposal happens while you sleep. If you don’t give your brain enough time to do its job, the garbage doesn’t get emptied properly. Rest and sleep help your brain and body clean house, which helps your brain work at top speed. It’s all pretty amazing, actually!