Sleep deprivation and learning & memory impairments: The modulating effects of exercise and complementary medicine.

Sleep deprivation (SD) or sleep restriction (SR) is a prevalent issue in advanced societies, influencing various aspects of daily life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that sleep loss results in disruptions in different types of learning and memory. Complementary medicine and exercise have been suggested to alleviate learning and memory deficits following SD in both rodents and humans. Previous investigations have shown that forced and voluntary training, using treadmill and wheel running,and traditional herbs ameliorates learning and memory impairments following SD. The purpose of the present review was to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the effects of complementary medicine and exercise on learning and memory impairments following SD, at behavioral, molecular, and electrophysiological levels, in both animal and human studies. Overall, studies indicate that complementary medicine and exercise can improve learning and memory impairments associated with SD.