Recent Blog Articles

Drug recalls are common

Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness
Can you learn while you sleep? from the Harvard Men's Health Watch
Getting enough restful sleep restores the mind and body, preparing both for the challenges that lie ahead. Without it, mood, concentration, and mental performance suffer. And according to research reported in the February 2012 Harvard Men’s Health Watch, sleep may actually improve cognitive function. These findings suggest that even a brief nap may help boost learning, memory, and creative problem solving.
Sleep is divided into two major phases, rapid-eye-movement (REM) and non–rapid-eye-movement (NREM). Sleep begins with the NREM state, which lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, before REM sleep kicks in. Dreaming is most common during REM sleep, but it may also occur during the early stages of NREM sleep.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!