In addition to writing about sleep, I also write about wellness for iHealthBlogs. While writing about the sense of smell and memory, I came across an article about how scents can improve memory during a good night’s sleep.

Not only can scent help to improve memory, but Robert Stickgold, a Harvard University psychiatrist interviewed in the article, comments that a recent study “shows not only that sleep is important for declarative memory, but also allows us to look at exactly when and how this process might happen.”

Researchers used the scent of rose in this particular study, which the participants had no memory of smelling, interestingly. Their memory recall scores were near perfect after they smelled roses during sleep; not so effective before sleep.

Perhaps not so effective during sleep, either.

What’s up with the scent of rose? Could a lavender scent have contributed to the same result? No information is shared about why the researchers chose a rose scent.

However, the scent of rose is apparently associated with improving memory, especially when used during key periods of sleep. Yet some research does support the proper use of any scent during sleep to improve memory.

There’s the rub (pun intended, I guess). How do you get the right burst of scent at the right time while you’re sleeping? Seems like a job for pillow designers, n’est pas?

In any case, if you want to improve your memory, try doing it in your sleep. And a little scent of rose on your pillow may help.

Photo Credit: Nieve44/La Luz