Naps Improve Memory ... if You Dream

Research suggests an afternoon power nap improves memory ... if you dream. Dreaming apparently allows the brain to make connections overlooked while awake.

In the study, 99 college students memorized some information - but only half took a 90-minute nap afterwards. Nappers retained the information 10x better than their counterparts. Dreamers did, however, perform poorly on their first test. This may be because the brain knows the task in question is difficult, so it needs more attention - hence the dreaming about it.

So study the basics, then take a nap. Or, go to bed early, wake up early and review - and then take a nap.

Want to Learn More? Take a Nap

Current Biology has published a report stating successful study habits should include plenty of napping. People who take a nap and dream about a task they've just learned perform it better upon waking than either those who don't sleep at all or those who sleep but don't report any associated dreams.

Dreams did not lead to better memory, but they are a sign that other parts of the brain are working to remember. Dreams, according to the research, are a side effect of that memory process.

Researchers suggested that it may be better to study hard right before you go to sleep than in the afternoon, or to take a nap after a period of intense afternoon study.