Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 22: A power nap has long been touted as a magic reset button for the brain—but what if you didn’t need to sleep at all to feel recharged? In a breakthrough study published in Science, researchers have inched closer to turning this futuristic idea into reality by developing artificial naps through brain stimulation.

Artificial naps refer to short bursts of brain stimulation that aim to replicate the cognitive and restorative benefits of a real nap—without actual sleep. The goal? Boost alertness, sharpen memory, and enhance focus, especially during mid-day slumps.

These naps simulate the same brainwave patterns seen in non-REM sleep, particularly delta waves, but through external intervention instead of natural rest.

The study observed macaque monkeys trained to complete visual perception tasks. One group napped after each session, while another simply rested. Predictably, the nappers performed better in subsequent tests.

But here’s the twist: by studying the monkeys’ brain activity during those naps, scientists noticed a drop in neural synchrony—essentially, brain cells were no longer firing in unison, which surprisingly led to sharper perception.

To recreate this effect without sleep, scientists used low-frequency electrical stimulation targeting the visual cortex of awake monkeys. The results? The same neural desynchronization and performance boost typically seen post-nap.

For the growing number of people grappling with insomnia, burnout, and constant fatigue, artificial naps might be a revolutionary way to recharge the brain in minutes.

“This technology has the potential to replicate many of the benefits of sleep for those who don’t get enough of it,” researchers noted.

Though this study used implanted electrodes, the team is now working on non-invasive versions that could one day be safely used by humans.

Not yet. While artificial naps may one day substitute short bouts of rest or power naps, deep and REM sleep still play irreplaceable roles in overall health, emotional regulation, and memory consolidation.

But as scientists push the boundaries of sleep tech, we might be moving toward a future where a 15-minute artificial recharge could keep our brains sharp—no pillow required.