A Quick Nap Can Improve Your Memory!
How much easier could it get? People who take short daytime naps do better than non-nappers on memory exercises (1). As little as six minutes is enough to make a difference
How does a quick snooze improve your memory? It seems that the act of falling asleep triggers a brain and memory-boosting process that remains effective regardless of how long you nap
So the important thing is that you lie down and relax to the point where sleep processes start. Your muscles relax, breathing and heartbeat slow, and numerous body processes and chemistry change
The researchers did not study the effect of meditation, but I would be willing to bet that they would have found many of the same effects after a short meditation
Other important ways to maintain your memory:
- Use it. Do memory exercises, make an effort to remember names and lists. Play memory games
- Eat folate-rich foods like asparagus, oranges, Brussels sprouts, whole grains, and especially, leafy green vegetables like spinach
- Socialize. Research shows that social interaction is vital to maintain your memory as the years go by
If you want to find out more on this and many other topics you will find them in our book:
Grow Youthful - A Practical Guide to Slowing Your Aging
(1) An ultra short episode of sleep is sufficient to promote declarative memory performance. Lahl, O. et al., Journal of Sleep Research 2008 Mar;17(1):3-10.