Short naps can improve memory, increase productivity, reduce stress and promote a healthier heart

Naps can be rejuvenating and beneficial to attentiveness and overall health, but the length of naps and the time of day are key.

Steven Bender, Clinical Associate Professor, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 28, 2023 • ~8 min

Can coffee or a nap make up for sleep deprivation? A psychologist explains why there's no substitute for shut-eye

While a cup of joe or a brief nap during an all-nighter might help you feel a little more alert, it won’t offset cognitive impairments from sleep deprivation when you’re performing complex tasks.

Kimberly Fenn, Professor of Psychology, Michigan State University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2023 • ~6 min

Longer naps in the day may be an early sign of dementia in older adults

While longer naps are a normal part of aging, excessively long dozes could be a warning signal for cognitive decline.

Yue Leng, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
March 25, 2022 • ~5 min

Napping helps preschoolers unlock their full potential for learning

Research shows napping helps young children learn, as well as enhancing their emotional well-being.

Rebecca Spencer, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst • conversation
May 20, 2020 • ~7 min

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