Effect of Daytime Nap on Attention, Working Memory, and Recognition Memory

Abstract Daytime napping has gained attention for its potential to enhance cognitive functions. While the positive impact of nocturnal sleep on cognitive functions is widely acknowledged, limited research has focused on the effects of daytime naps. In this study, we investigated the influence of a 30-minute afternoon nap on cognitive functions in healthy adults. Ten participants (4 females) were involved in both nap and non-nap (control) conditions. Participants were randomly selected from the sleep department of Zare Hospital. During the nap condition, participants engaged in a 30-minute nap at approximately 14:00. Cognitive assessments were performed 30 minutes after the nap to reduce the effects of sleep inertia. Three days after nap condition, cognitive evaluations were conducted again at approximately 15:00, in the non-nap condition. Working memory, evaluated using the Backward Digit Span Task using a paired sample t-test, exhibited significant improvement during napping (p = 0.0164, d = 0.459), highlighting its practical significance. Attention, assessed with the Stroop test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant differences between nap and non-nap conditions, emphasizing napping’s role in sustaining attention and alertness. Recognition memory, gauged through the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, revealed superior performance in the nap condition, particularly in False Alarm scores. Despite limitations such as sample size and nap monitoring, our study contributes valuable insights into the cognitive benefits of daytime napping. By refining our understanding of napping’s effects, tailored interventions can be developed, promoting cognitive health and performance enhancement across various contexts. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) registration number 66862. Date of registration: 12/31/2022 The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Allameh Tabataba’i University (IR.ATU.REC.1401.030). Statements and Declarations The writers confirm that they have no affiliations or engagements with any organization or institution that holds any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials addressed in this publication.