What Is Memory Consolidation?

Short-term memory tends to be limited in duration and capacity. In fact, the human brain can store short-term memories for only about 30 seconds—so it must move important information into long-term memory to retain it. That's where memory consolidation comes in.

Building Long-Term Memories With New Information

Memory consolidation relies on synapses in the brain. In something akin to an electrical system conducting a current,r the synapses pass signals from neuron to neuron with the help of neurotransmitters. 

When two neurons fire at the same time repeatedly, they become more likely to fire together in the future. Eventually, these two neurons become sensitized to one another.

As you acquire new experiences and memories, your brain creates more and more of these connections. Essentially, the brain rearranges itself, establishing new connections while weeding out old ones.

How Memory Consolidation Works

By rehearsing or recalling information repeatedly, these neural networks strengthen. For example, if you study the same material regularly over a long period, the pathways involved in remembering that information become stronger. The repeated firing of the same neurons makes it more likely that those same neurons will be able to repeat that firing in the future. As a result, you'll remember the information later with ease and accuracy.

Here's another way to think of these synaptic pathways: They're similar to a path in the woods. The more often you walk the path, the more familiar it becomes and the easier it is to traverse.

Influences on Memory Consolidation

Although we often think of the brain as a filing cabinet or a computer with individual files of memories carefully stored away, the reality is that memories are spread out across the entire brain.

Sleep can play an important role in the consolidation process. One of the major theories of sleep suggests that it's a way to process and consolidate information we acquire during our waking lives.

People often think of memories as permanent, but just because a memory has been consolidated does not mean you can't lose it. Researchers have found that memories often need to be reconsolidated once they have been recalled. The process of recalling and reconsolidating a memory can help maintain and strengthen information in long-term memory.

Researchers have also found that memories must be reconsolidated every time you access them. This process, however, can transform and change the memory itself. The very act of remembering, it seems, can lead to some things being forgotten.

Speeding Up Memory Consolidation

It is also possible to speed up the consolidation process when learning new information. Rehearsal and memorization strategies, such as using mnemonic devices and studying are a few techniques. One of the best ways to ensure that information is consolidated into long-term memory is to rehearse it over several spaced intervals repeatedly.

That's why going over your class notes once a week for several weeks will lead to greater memory retention than cramming the night before an exam.

A Word From Verywell

By understanding how consolidation works, you might be able to adapt your memorization strategies to boost the process. Repetition/study and sleep are good places to start.