Which of the following is a widely speculated function of sleep according to scientists?

• A. Increasing metabolic rate
• B. Reducing oxygen consumption in the brain
• C. Memory consolidation
• D. Eliminating all dreams

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which asks about the widely speculated functions of sleep according to scientific research.
2. Step 2: Recall that sleep serves multiple important functions, including physical restoration, energy conservation, and cognitive processes.
3. Step 3: Recognize that increasing metabolic rate is generally not a function of sleep; in fact, metabolic rate tends to decrease during sleep.
4. Step 4: Consider that reducing oxygen consumption in the brain is not a primary function of sleep; the brain remains active during sleep, especially in certain stages.
5. Step 5: Identify that memory consolidation is a well-supported and widely accepted function of sleep, where the brain processes and stabilizes memories formed during wakefulness.