Dr. Gina Poe of the University of California, Los Angeles, investigates how sleep supports learning, memory consolidation, and brain plasticity, with a particular focus on REM sleep. Her research has informed our understanding of how sleep disruptions contribute to cognitive and emotional difficulties in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. For 4-H educators and volunteers, this lecture highlights how insufficient sleep can affect attention, mood, and behavior in youth, underscoring the critical role of sleep in healthy brain development and daily functioning.