Workout or Nap: The Two Fast Ways to Preserve Memory After a Sleepless Night
A McGill University study found that after 30 hours without sleep, a 20-minute cycling workout or a 90-minute nap helped healthy young adults recall about 22% more images on memory tests three days later than those who did nothing. The two interventions improve memory via different brain pathways—napping recharges brain resources, while exercise makes use of remaining resources more efficiently—though neither should substitute for sleep. The findings are particularly relevant for shift workers, with researchers suggesting employers provide protected time for these strategies rather than relying on sleep alone.
