Recent advancements in the understanding of sleep have highlighted the neurobiological effects of various sleep stages on learning and memory consolidation. While REM sleep has often been associated with vivid dreaming and emotional processing, scientists have also recognized the significant role of non-REM sleep in declarative memory consolidation. This knowledge prompts further investigation into how alterations in normal sleep patterns, due to competitive activities, sleep disorders, or environmental factors, can impact cognitive functioning. Consider the impact of sleep deprivation on a student's ability to retain information learned during the day.
Which of the following statements best describes a consequence of sleep deprivation on cognitive processes, specifically regarding memory consolidation?