Napping(小睡)after learning something new could help improve your memory--- as long as you dream, scientists say．
They found people who dream about a new task do it better on waking than those who do not sleep or do not dream．
Volunteers were asked to learn the layout(布局，设计)of a 3D computer maze(迷宫)so they could find their way several hours later．Those allowed to take a pap and who also remembered dreaming of the task, found their way to a landmark quicker．
The researchers think the dreams are a sign that unconscious(无意识的)parts of the brain are working hard to process information about the task．．
Dr．Robert Stickgold of Harvard Medical School, said dreams may be a marker that the brain is working on the same problem at many levels．
Study tips
Co-author Dr．Erin Wamsley said the study suggests our non-conscious brain works on the things that it deem(认为)are the most important．
“Every day we are gathering lots of information and new experiences,” she said．“It would seem that our dreams are asking the question, “How do I use this information to inform(影响)my life?”
The scientists say there may be ways to use this phenomenon(现象)for improving learning and memory．For example, students might be better studying hard before bedtime, or taking a nap after a period of afternoon study．
(1)
Scientists say ________ could help improve your memory．
[ ]
A．
dream
B．
nap
C．
nap and dream
D．
nap without dream
(2)
What were volunteers asked to do?
[ ]
A．
Take a nap．
B．
Dream a task．
C．
Learn about 3D computer．
D．
Find their way out of a maze．
(3)
Which is right about dreams?
[ ]
A．
They are a sign that parts of the brain is unconscious．
B．
They can help us fall asleep and improve learning and memory．
C．
They tell us how to use this information to inform our life．
D．
They may be a marker that the brain is working on the same problem．
Did you sleep well last night?Maybe many people will answer：No．In fact, in the world about one third of the people do not have good sleep．If you say you do not have good sleep, it means：waking early and not getting back to sleep．You may get tired, worried and anxious．Your memory and ability to remember things will get worse．
Then what should you do when you have the trouble?Do not worry about it too much．Let’s see if you can help yourself．The techniques(技巧)are as follows：
First, make sure that your bedroom isn’t too cold or too hot．Keep it dark and quiet．
Second, check your lifestyle：
Do not drink tea, coffee, cola or chocolate four hours before bed．Drink less water and avoid night-time toilet visits．
Set your body clock well by getting up and going to bed at the same time every day．Avoid daytime naps．
Develop a relaxing bedtime habit．Read or listen to music, then take a warm bath．If you really can not sleep, try some bread, rice or milk．They will help you fall asleep．
Go for a daily walk．Natural light helps you regulate(调理)your body clock, so exercise outdoors if you can．
Forget the worries of the day．Write down any worries, thoughts or questions before you go to bed．With these written down, you will have less to think about and your sleep will become easier．
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