Compelling new research from several universities is suggesting that naps can boost your memory. Our busy, 24/7 world keeps most of us from getting the sleep we need, and even worse, aging, sleep apnea, or just being a parent can rob you of consistent all-night sleeping that repairs your memory in the slow-wave sleep cycle. It turns out that it is not really the length of sleep that is important, but the quality of sleep that matters. Good sleep is better than long fragmented sleeping.
One study taught a group of subjects two-character Chinese words over a several hour period. At the end of that time, half of the group was allowed a 90-minute nap. Afterwards, the entire group was tested using Chinese words they had not learned in the previous learning session. Those who had a nap were able to infer certain characteristics from the characters they learned and actually did well on the tests, while the non-sleeping group failed.
During slow-wave sleep, the hypothalamus is working to repair memory centers that have been used extensively during awake time. This repair process is important in overall memory retention and mental processing.
I’m a huge fan of naps. Because I am a mother with children ranging in age from 6 to 18, I am often awakened in the night. I also suffer from intermittent chronic insomnia that comes in cycles throughout the year. I definitely have fractured sleep patterns. But on the weekends, at least one day, I take a 90 to 120 minute nap in mid-afternoon. I find it critical to do so, but have never been able to explain why.
Turns out that that nap boosts a special type of memory that allows us to see the big picture and gets us creative in solving problems. I have always known I do my best writing on Sunday nights when I’ve had my two-hour nap. Now I know why.
Susabelle’s Prescription: Go take a nap!