power-nap-memory

DO 20-MINUTE POWER NAPS IMPROVE MEMORY CONSOLIDATION?

CONSENSUS

Possibly

EVIDENCE TIER

Preliminary

SHORT ANSWER

Short naps can restore alertness and may support learning, especially when sleep-deprived.

TOPIC BACKGROUND

A power nap is a brief period of daytime sleep, often targeted at around 10–20 minutes, intended to leave the sleeper refreshed rather than groggy. Napping practices differ across cultures and workplaces, with some people napping regularly and others rarely doing so.

Environmental setup - dim light, comfortable temperature, and a timer - can make short naps more practical. The timing of a nap relative to bedtime and daily schedule is a common consideration for people experimenting with this habit.

MECHANISM SUMMARY

Light sleep stages may refresh attention and support memory processes.

TRY THIS

  • Limit to ~20 minutes
  • Nap before mid-afternoon
  • Use a timer

TAGS

  • Sleep
  • Memory
  • Fatigue

CAVEATS

  • Longer naps may cause sleep inertia or impair nighttime sleep.

RELATED QUESTIONS