Your Brain's Memory Storage Command Center - The Hippocampus

Ever wondered why a scent or certain food triggers a memory  of something that happened long ago? Well, that’s the hippocampus in play AKA Memory Storage Command Center.The hippocampus stores things like spatial memories (surroundings & environment) as well as declarative memories (facts & events). An example of declarative memories are things learned in school!Memory consolidation happens while we sleep. The hippocampus moves memories to long-term storage. That’s why we need that 7½ hours of sleep as an adult (9 to 12 for kids). Skimp on your sleep, and you skimp on the possibility of memories sinking into storage. So, if kids don’t get enough sleep, it’s hard for them to recall what they learned. Long term exposure to stress leads to more deterioration of the hippocampus. People suffering from PTSD have a smaller hippocampal volume compared to others. For our kiddos, the longer a child is exposed to an abusive environment, the more damage their hippocampus takes. Their ability to learn is significantly reduced. That’s why Lauren’s focus is getting schools to check for the 5 Needs Areas first. Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode: How to understand where a behavior is coming from. (Hint: All behaviors communicate something, for both kids and adults.) Try-at-home tip:  Ways to neutralize your nervous system: Sauna  Other related resources from The Behavior Hub: Blog Post: Your Brain's Memory Storage Command Center5 Reasons Behaviors OccurEmotional Brain: The Barking DogPodcast:Why Behaviors Occur - The 5 Needs AreasOur Online Courses: From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate (5 Needs Areas) Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode! Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children The Behavior Hub websiteThe Behavior Hub blogAre you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help! Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.