Sleep on it
Researchers found that sleep is a lot more than rest:
Science Daily — Memorizing a series of facts is one thing, understanding the big picture is quite another. Now a new study demonstrates that relational memory—the ability to make logical “big picture” inferences from disparate pieces of information—is dependent on taking a break from studies and learning, and even more important, getting a good night’s sleep…
Science Daily: To understand the big picture, give it time, and sleep.
There’s more, of course; the article touches upon research into learning intervals and what the brain is doing while you snooze. Shadow a high school student these days and you’ll realize there’s no time in the school day for stuff to sort itself out. And I wonder; do naps count? American culture has siezed upon the 16-hour marathon as the only way to get through a day. Are we making ourselves dumber?
The irony of finding this blog post in the midst of a “major” study session for two exams I have coming up tomorrow and Tuesday astounds me. The guy I’m studying with and I have just finished discussing this VERY topic (about the crammers, the people who just memorize facts and don’t understand the big picture,etc).
Thanks for posting~! I’m going to get a good night’s sleep tonight and mull things over for a while.
I nap like crazy. Not that I’ve learned anything because of it, but napping is fun.
Excellent question and the answer appears to be yes. I have for one have been touting the importance of power naps for a long time. I just now have another good reason for them.
I like taking naps cause if I only lay down for about 15 minutes I feel re-energized.
Woo Hoo for the power naps…
Personally, I feel that a nap of 15 mins or so after every 2 hours of studying helped me concentrate better…
Usually I keep a notebook next to my bed….Often when I have some crazy coding issue and amazingly, by next morning, I know a solution to the problem…
It’s interesting that many cultures and societies keep the afternoon nap/siesta as an important part of the work day. North America is shooting itself in the foot.
Another interesting idea that just came to mind… Babies sleep a lot. Babies learn fast.