SCM: Sleep-Consolidated Memory with Algorithmic Forgetting for Large Language Models

TL;DR

SCM introduces a biologically inspired memory architecture for large language models that enhances recall, reduces noise, and incorporates forgetting mechanisms, inspired by human sleep stages and memory processes.

Contribution

This paper presents SCM, a novel memory system for LLMs that integrates neuroscientific principles like sleep-stage consolidation and intentional forgetting.

Findings

Achieves perfect recall accuracy over ten-turn conversations.

Reduces memory noise by 90.9% through adaptive forgetting.

Maintains search latency below one millisecond with hundreds of concepts.

Abstract

We present SCM (Sleep-Consolidated Memory), a research preview of a memory architecture for large language models that draws on neuroscientific principles to address a fundamental limitation in current systems: the absence of persistent, structured, and biologically plausible memory. Existing approaches rely on truncating context windows, growing vector databases without bound, or tiered storage systems that lack consolidation and forgetting mechanisms. SCM implements five core components inspired by human memory: a limited-capacity working memory, multi-dimensional importance tagging, offline sleep-stage consolidation with distinct NREM and REM phases, intentional value-based forgetting, and a computational self-model enabling introspection. Across a standardized benchmark suite of eight tests, the prototype achieves perfect recall accuracy over ten-turn conversations while reducing memory noise by 90.9% through adaptive forgetting. Memory search latency remains below one millisecond even with hundreds of stored concepts. This work establishes the architectural foundations for memory systems that consolidate, prioritize, and forget, offering a testable platform for advancing LLM memory research.