No, you are not dreaming. You really can boost your brainpower while you snooze. Try these seven tips.
CHANGE THE COLOR OF YOUR NOISE
White noise (such as the hiss of a radio tuned to an unused frequency) can help you sleep more soundly, but what scientists call pink noise could help you remember more. According to a small study from Northwestern University, the lower-frequency sounds of pink noise, such as the rush of a waterfall or steady rain, improved older adults’ deep, slow-wave sleep, the stage considered important for consolidating memories. When study participants listened to pink noise while they slept and then took a memory test the next morning, they scored three times higher than participants who didn’t sleep with that kind of background sound. Don’t live near a waterfall? Download an app such as the aptly named Pink Noise.
DRIFT OFF WITH A WHIFF
You already know that the smell of an apple pie coming out of the oven can send your memory straight back to Mom’s kitchen. It turns out that smells, experienced at the right time, can also strengthen your recall. In one study, people played a memory game while a rose scent wafted through the room.
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GOTCHA!
We asked for it: What's the best prank you ever pulled?
KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9
Officer Bill Cushing needed a partner. His dog needed a purpose. Together, they rescued each other.
Let's Dance!
It's good for your body, soul and even your brain
DISASTER ON THE RIVER
Two canoeists struggle to keep themselves and their friendship-afloat
WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE STUFF WE RETURN
Think your rejects go back on the shelves? Think again.
Words to Live By
Poems offered me an anchor as I lost my son, so I shared them
LOST, FOUND, HOMEWARD BOUND
A collection of heart-thumping, tail-wagging, zoomies-inducing pet reunion tales
Paging Dr. AI
IF YOU'VE EVER Googled symptoms (and who hasn't?), you've probably scared yourself with a dire diagnosis, with no doctor there to vet the source and put the information in context. But we can't help ourselves. So can AI help?
The HEALTHY WELLNESS FROM THEHEALTHY.COM
A vaccine is finally on the way. In the meantime, here's how to protect yourself from ticks.
How to Speak Like a Midwesterner
FROM THE BOOK A GUIDE TO MIDWESTERN CONVERSATION