McGill University study finds exercise or naps protect memory after sleep loss

A study led by McGill University, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests that brief exercise or a nap can mitigate the memory impairments caused by sleep deprivation.

Researchers conducted an experiment where healthy young adults remained awake for 30 consecutive hours. Participants were divided into three groups: one performing 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous stationary cycling, one taking a 90-minute nap, and a control group that remained sedentary. The results indicated that both the exercise and the nap improved memory performance by approximately 22% compared to the control group.

Brain activity recordings revealed that these two interventions work through different neurological mechanisms. Napping helped reduce neuronal fatigue and sleepiness, creating an optimal state for data assimilation. In contrast, exercise increased neuronal efficiency, allowing the brain to process information using available cognitive resources more precisely.

Researchers noted that while napping is not always feasible for certain professions, brief bouts of exercise may offer a practical alternative for shift workers, such as those in healthcare or transportation, to help preserve cognitive abilities.