A recent study reveals that afternoon naps, particularly those containing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, can significantly boost the brain’s problem-solving skills. Researchers from Texas State University discovered that naps can enhance analogical problem-solving abilities. This is the process of solving problems by applying past experiences to new challenges.
REM sleep is the stage of sleep most closely associated with dreaming. It plays a vital role in memory storage. It also aids in emotional processing. The study suggests that REM sleep may help the brain form important connections, especially in tasks requiring problem-solving.
The researchers noted in their published paper that the phrase ‘just sleep on it’ may carry some merit. This is especially true if sleep includes REM. REM sleep, they say, helps strengthen associations that aren’t obvious in waking life.
THE EXPERIMENT: NAPPING VS. STAYING AWAKE
The study involved 58 participants who were shown a series of problems and their solutions. Afterward, participants were presented with another set of similar problems, but without solutions. The key challenge was to apply the same problem-solving methods to these new puzzles.
A two-hour break followed. Half of the participants took a 110-minute nap, with their REM sleep monitored using EEG headsets. The other half stayed awake.
NAPPERS OUTPERFORM NON-NAPPERS
After the break, participants were asked to revisit the problems they had struggled to solve. Those who napped were notably better at solving the problems. They had failed to address these problems earlier. The amount of REM sleep they got directly correlated with their ability to solve these problems.
Interestingly, there was no difference in problem-solving ability between nappers and non-nappers before the break. The napping group was also better at identifying the similarities between the problems in the first and second sets. This skill is critical for analogical problem solving.
REM SLEEP AND CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
The researchers suggest that REM sleep may play a crucial role in creative problem-solving. It involves recombining existing knowledge in novel ways. REM sleep might assist in connecting new memories with old ones, helping individuals better recognize patterns and solutions.
“REM sleep may be necessary to facilitate problem solving. This happens when it requires an active recombination of problem elements. This process occurs during creative problem solving,” the researchers stated.
THE TAKEAWAY: SLEEP CAN BOOST PROBLEM-SOLVING
Although we can’t yet say that naps directly cause better problem-solving, the study offers strong evidence of a connection. This aligns with previous research suggesting that sleep – particularly REM sleep – helps improve mental agility and creative problem-solving skills.
While it might be difficult to convince your boss to approve a two-hour nap break, this study offers a strong case for the power of naps in boosting afternoon productivity.