Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dali both recognized the benefits of napping to spark inspiration. Recent research from the PLOS Biology journal supports this notion, revealing that naps can enhance cognitive function and insight. Conducted by researchers Anika Lowe and Maria Tzegka at the University of Hamburg, the study involved testing participants on a task before and after taking a 20-minute nap. Those who entered the N2 sleep phase showed a significantly higher rate of insight moments compared to those who remained awake or in light sleep, confirming the value of napping for cognitive flexibility.
Anika Lowe, lead author of the research, stated that the brain becomes more plastic and receptive to new ideas during the N2 sleep phase.
Research shows that 85.7% of participants entering N2 sleep during a nap had significant insight moments in their tasks.
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