I'm not sure there's been any studies regarding long term use of specific drugs on memory, but there could be some out there.
The best theory put forward by researchers is that REM sleep is, indeed, required to process memory, experience, and cognition that is gained during waking hours. Even if there's been absolutely no study regarding specific drug-induced reduction of REM and how it affects individuals, I'd think it pretty clear that anything that stops/reduces REM, short or long term, is going to cause memory consequences.
confuzzled21 t1_iui44ui wrote
Reply to comment by [deleted] in Eli5 What are the long term consequences of drugs that suppress REM sleep? by muted_Log_454
I'm not sure there's been any studies regarding long term use of specific drugs on memory, but there could be some out there.
The best theory put forward by researchers is that REM sleep is, indeed, required to process memory, experience, and cognition that is gained during waking hours. Even if there's been absolutely no study regarding specific drug-induced reduction of REM and how it affects individuals, I'd think it pretty clear that anything that stops/reduces REM, short or long term, is going to cause memory consequences.