The researchers said this was unexpected and suggested the sleep deprived rats were quicker to use their senses because their spatial learning was impaired.

BBC: Spatial memory works in a similar way in rats and humans

But UK experts remained mixed over whether sleep affected spatial learning.

BBC: Spatial memory works in a similar way in rats and humans

However, Dr Neil Stanley, of the University of Surrey, said sleep loss harmed spatial learning, although the brain could rise to the "spatial learning" challenge in the short-term it would struggle eventually.

BBC: Spatial memory works in a similar way in rats and humans

Supposedly resulting from abnormal antenatal exposure to hormones, this cluster includes maleness, homosexuality, left-handedness, poor visual-spatial skills, immune disorders, and perhaps also language-learning talent.

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This type of experiential, addictive learning improves decision-making skills and increases the processing speed and spatial skills of the brain.

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