“Sleep allows the brain to reset, helping integrate, newly learned material with consolidated memories so the brain can begin anew the next day,” said co-author Chiara Cirelli, professor of psychiatry.
'Synaptic homeostasis' refers to the brain's ability to maintain a balance in the strength of connections within its nerve cells, said the study published in the journal Neuron.
Why would the brain need to reset?
Suppose someone spent the waking hours learning a new skill like riding a bike. The circuits involved in learning would be greatly strengthened, but the next day the brain will need to pay attention to learning a new task.
