Objective: To study the effect of sleep deprivation on memory in rats. Methods: The experiment was done at Department of Physiology, Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram. Ethical clearance was obtained from CPCSEA. 12 male Wistar albino rats were used in the study, control group (6) and study group (6). Sleep deprivation was performed by using single platform method (Flower pot method). Study group was exposed to 5 hours of sleep deprivation for 5 days. Behavior, learning and memory was assessed using T maze and radial arm maze. Results: Rats subjected to sleep deprivation showed alteration in behavior and memory impairment. In T maze, there was significant increase in time spent in left arm, number of fecal bolus count with significant decrease in number of rearing, grooming and number of urination were decreased when compared with control group. In Radial arm maze impairment in memory was observed when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Rats showed memory impairment after subjected to sleep deprivation, which was assessed by standardized T maze and Radial arm maze.