Researchers from the University of Geneva and the University Medical Center of Freiburg in Germany have discovered that daytime naps help the brain recover and better absorb new information.
The study, conducted by researchers, included 20 young adults in good physical and mental health. Over several days, some participants took short naps during the day, while others remained awake throughout the day. The scientists used electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess the plasticity of neural networks and the brain's readiness for learning.
The results showed that after taking a short nap, the overall level of neural connectivity in the participants' brains decreased, but this decrease was accompanied by a greater ability to form new neural connections, indicating that the brain is in a state of recovery from nervous stress.
The researchers also found that a 40-50 minute nap during the day is sufficient to alleviate the overload on neural connections that accumulates as a result of daily mental activity. During periods of wakefulness, the connections between neurons gradually strengthen, which is essential for learning, but prolonged wakefulness leads to saturation of these connections and a decline in the ability to absorb new information.
In contrast, during sleep, a process known as "synapse cleaning" takes place, in which the brain readjusts these connections, helping it to regain its efficiency and prepare to receive new information.
According to the researchers, these findings explain why many people feel more focused and find it easier to study after a short nap. The study suggests that napping may be particularly beneficial for people under high mental pressure, such as students, those working in jobs requiring high levels of precision and concentration, and athletes.
