Can a short nap and bright light function as implicit learning and visual search enhancers?
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Updated: May 19, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Kosuke Kaida1, Yuji Takeda, Kazuyo Tsuzuki
1National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. kaida-kosuke@umin.ac.jp
Abstract:
The present study examined effects of a short nap (20 min) and/or bright light (2000 lux) on visual search and implicit learning in a contextual cueing task. Fifteen participants performed a contextual cueing task twice a day (1200-1330 h and 1430-1600 h) and scored subjective sleepiness before and after a short afternoon nap or a break period. Participants served a total of four experimental conditions (control, short nap, bright light and short nap with bright light). During the second task, bright light treatment (BLT) was applied in the two of the four conditions. Participants performed both tasks in a dimly lit environment except during the light treatment. Results showed that a short nap reduced subjective sleepiness and improved visual search time, but it did not affect implicit learning. Bright light reduced subjective sleepiness. A short nap in the afternoon could be a countermeasure against sleepiness and an enhancer for visual search. Practitioner Summary: The study examined effects of a short afternoon nap (20 min) and/or bright light (2000 lux) on visual search and implicit learning. A short nap is a powerful countermeasure against sleepiness compared to bright light exposure in the afternoon.
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