Cat naps may improve your memory. German researchers have found that napping for less than an hour helps the brain consolidate newly learned information. Forty-one participants were tested on their memorization of individual words and word pairs. Then half were allowed to sleep and the others could watch DVD’s. Immediately after the break they were tested again. The nappers essentially forgot nothing, scoring the same as before they slept. The DVD watchers remembered significantly less.

If you must process a lot of new information daily (students!) consider napping. At minimum ensure you sleep 8-10 hours each night.

Brian R. Bell, MPH

Source: PositiveChoices.com. Used with permission.