A new study shows that power naps can improve memory. Research published in the journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory compared a group watching a DVD to a group napping. Researchers found that those resting performed significantly better on a word pairing exercise.
“Even a short sleep lasting 45 to 60 minutes produces a five-fold improvement in information retrieval from memory,” Dr. Axel Mecklinger, the research group’s PhD supervisor, says in a press release. “’A short nap at the office or in school is enough to significantly improve learning success.”
Napping can also be especially helpful for students.
“The most important thing to remember is that sleep is just as important as studying,” says Dr. Manisha Sahay, neurologist at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. “In order to effectively understand what one is learning, it is important to have a balance between getting rest and studying.”
Dr. Sahay says there have also been several studies, especially in children, that suggest sleep is important for the consolidation of memories into the brain’s hippocampus.
*This article was originally posted here on Advocate Health Care’s health enews site.
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About the Author
Erin Abbey is the public affairs and marketing manager at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington where she works on getting the word out about hospital news and accomplishments as well as community events and activities.
CLICK HERE to read the latest articles Erin has written for Advocate Health Care’s health enews website at ahchealthenews.com. She is also the author of our 365 Barrington Health Beat series focused on advice from area physicians, the latest medical news and trends toward better health in and around Barrington.
