In their research article -- A nap to recap or how reward regulates hippocampal-prefrontal memory networks during daytime sleep in humans-- Igloi et al. find that receiving rewards as you learn can help cement new facts and skills in your memory, especially when combined with a daytime nap.
The findings reveal that memories associated with a reward are preferentially reinforced by sleep. Even a short nap after a period of learning is beneficial. The research is published in the journal eLife.
“Rewards may act as a kind of tag, sealing information in the brain during learning. During sleep, that information is favourably consolidated over information associated with a low reward and is transferred to areas of the brain associated with long-term memory,” says lead researcher Dr Kinga Igloi from the University of Geneva.
Examples of media coverage featuring the research can be found below:
- Scientists reveal afternoon naps are key to boosting learning power (Mirror)
- How a daytime nap IS good for you: 90 minutes of shut eye after learning 'helps you remember new facts and skills' (Daily Mail)
- Afternoon nap ‘could improve learning’ (The Scotsman)
- Reward and daytime nap boost memory (Business Standard)
- Receiving rewards, 90-minute daytime nap can effectively boost learning (International Business Times)
- Daytime nap improves memory (Live Mint)
