In the fast pace of modern life, many people experience fatigue, especially those who work at a desk. However, it is known that a short daytime nap can significantly help the brain by acting as a reboot mechanism, making it more alert and sharp.
This assertion was made in the neurology journal Neuroimage. When a person works continuously from morning till day, their brain constantly processes new information. This leads to an excessive increase in connections between neurons because the brain performs multiple tasks simultaneously, causing fatigue. This process is analogous to a phone freezing when many applications are open at once.
According to studies, a short daytime nap functions as a 'master reset button' for the brain. During such sleep, the brain's synaptic plasticity is reset, gradually reducing additional pressure on it. Napping also calms overloaded connections in the brain and helps reduce mental strain. The study emphasizes that the most beneficial sleep is only a few minutes long; too long or several hours of sleep is not as effective because it disrupts the nighttime sleep pattern.
The study showed that a 15-minute nap during the day benefits memory and focus. Such a 15-minute nap improves concentration and thinking ability, eliminating mental sluggishness and allowing a person to feel energetic until the evening.