A new study suggests afternoon naps boost the brain’s problem-solving skills, with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – the dreaming stage of sleep, theoretically linked to storing memories and processing emotions – particularly important.
Researchers from Texas State University tested analogical problem solving, where our brains solve problems using successful methods applied to similar problems in the past. They found nappers were better at these mental routes towards solutions.
“The current results indicate that when a problem seems unsolvable, the phrase ‘just sleep on it’ may carry some merit, especially if sleep includes REM,” write the researchers in their published paper.
“This sleep stage may play a key role in putting past experiences to best use by…