Stockholm university

Napping in the afternoon can improve memory and alertness

Short naps are great at improving alertness and attention – and if you have time for a longer nap, this can support memory and learning. John Axelsson and Tina Sundelin discusses their recent research in a new article in The Conversation.

Article about napping, published in The Conversation. Photo: Rawpixel.com/ Shutterstock
Article about napping, published in The Conversation. Photo: Rawpixel.com/ Shutterstock


The article is published on February 26 and is written by John Axelsson, Professor, and Tina Sundelin, researcher, both at the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University.

They write:
“Napping is a great way to feel more rested and alert – and some research shows it can benefit our cognitive function. However, you may want to consider how long you have to sleep before heading to bed for your midday nap.

If you need to be alert right after waking up (for example, if you’re catching a few extra minutes of sleep during your lunch break), so-called “power naps” of 10-30 minutes are recommended. Longer naps may cause some initial drowsiness – though they keep sleepiness at bay longer. But drinking coffee directly before a nap may help you wake up without feeling drowsy while also boosting your alertness.”

Read the article published in The Conversation:
https://theconversation.com/napping-in-the-afternoon-can-improve-memory-and-alertness-heres-why-154423

Read the article in French, ”Vous faites la sieste ? Voici pourquoi elle est bénéfique pour votre santé”

Read more about the collaboration between Stockholm University and The Conversation and how to pitch an article idea: https://www.su.se/staff/services/information-communication/pitch-an-article-idea-for-the-conversation-1.462268

More articles in The Conversation by researchers at Stockholm University: https://theconversation.com/institutions/stockholm-university-1019

 

 

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