Sleep Even a nap at lunchtime makes the brain ready to learn
An afternoon nap can improve the brain's ability to learn. This is shown by a new study. According to the study, even a short nap is enough to open up connections between nerve cells for new information.
22.01.2026, 12:35
SDA
The study by the University and University Hospitals of Geneva and Fribourg University Hospital was published on Thursday in the journal "Neuriomage".
During the day, the processing of impressions strengthens the connections between the nerve cells, the synapses. This leads to saturation, which reduces the ability to learn. Sleep regulates this activity down again. "This 'synaptic reset' already sets in after a midday nap," study leader Christoph Nissen was quoted as saying in a press release from the participating institutions. He is currently Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at the University Hospitals of Geneva and Professor at the University of Geneva. He previously worked at the University Hospital in Freiburg.
Keeping performance levels high
For the study, the researchers observed 20 healthy young adults. On two afternoons, they either took a nap for an average of 45 minutes or stayed awake. Using non-invasive methods such as EEG measurements, the team drew conclusions about the strength of the synapses.
After the nap, synaptic activity in the brain was reduced. At the same time, the ability to form new connections was significantly improved. The brain was therefore better prepared for new learning content than after an equally long period of wakefulness.
According to the researchers, the findings could be used specifically to maintain performance in occupations with high mental demands. However, they emphasize that behavioral therapy is more useful for chronic sleep disorders than sleeping pills, as these can disrupt the natural recovery processes.
