If you’re sleep-deprived after binge-watching a new series the night before, or you’ve been working nonstop and feel incredibly stressed, you should probably take a short, daytime nap. Naps are an important fatigue countermeasure that can improve your alertness and mood, helping you feel more awake and well-rested throughout the day.
Various educational institutions and companies across the country also recognize the benefits of a brief shut eye. For example, the University of California, Los Angeles and Google have designated sleeping pods to allow students and employees to nap whenever they need to. That’s because naps don’t just boost physical energy — they also help your brain perform at its best. Here’s how taking a nap can improve your memory performance.