The creative power of a nap

NEW YORK (HealthDay News)—Do you enjoy those moments when your brain “lights go off” and a sudden insight or inspiration appears almost out of nowhere?

A new study published in the journal PLOS Biology suggests that a short nap, if it reaches a deeper stage of sleep, can significantly increase the likelihood of having a "eureka" moment—a sudden revelation or solution to a problem.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Hamburg in Germany, included 90 participants who had to complete a repetitive task with a hidden solution.

After performing the task several times, the volunteers took a 20-minute nap while their brain activity was monitored using an electroencephalogram (EEG). The results showed that 86% of those who reached Stage 2 sleep—a deeper stage—found a way to make the task easier after the nap. In contrast, only 56% of those who remained awake managed to do so.

It was also observed that certain EEG features, such as a steeper spectral slope, were associated with a higher likelihood of having a sudden inspiration.

According to those responsible for the study, these findings support the idea that sleep is not only essential for rest, but also for creativity and problem-solving.

Although participants did not reach the deepest stages of sleep (stage 3 or REM), the study opens avenues for understanding how the brain reorganizes information during rest.

"The spectral slope of the EEG was considered an important factor in cognitive processes during sleep," emphasized researcher Anika Löwe.

Eureka Dream

Researchers analyze deep sleep and problem-solving.

In the future

Future studies should look more closely at how EEG activity during waking “eureka” moments relates to readings during sleep.