Can naps improve your emotional state?

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley say yes – finding that taking an afternoon nap improves emotional reactions.  In their report, the researchers point out that this finding adds to a broad body of research that shows that sleep improves cognitive function.  But this particular study reaches into the emotional sphere as well.  Said the researchers:  “ . . . these results suggest that the evaluation of specific human emotions is not static across a daytime waking interval, showing a progressive reactivity toward threat-related negative expressions.  However, an episode of sleep can reverse this predisposition. . . . ”  From a physiological point of view, this may be because the prefrontal cortex becomes fatigued through the day and therefore less able to dampen down emotional reactivity in the sub-cortex.  The researchers add: “These findings support the view that sleep, and specifically REM neurophysiology, may represent an important factor governing the optimal homeostasis of emotional brain regulation.”


Addressing the “intimate relationship” between sleep and emotion, the researchers conclude: “A growing collection of experimental findings has continued to substantiate a role for sleep in emotion processing.”   So the next time you’re feeling a bit down, or riled up, take a nap.  We’re sure the boss will approve.


The research was conducted by Ninad Gujar, Steven Andrew McDonald, Masaki Nishida1 and Matthew P. Walker, all of whom are affiliated with Berkeley’s Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology.