Napping to modulate frustration and impulsivity: A pilot study. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goldschmied, Jennifer R.; Cheng, Philip; Kemp, Kathryn; Caccamo, Lauren; Roberts, Julia; Deldin, Patricia J.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 86(2015)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Wakefulness -- Frustration -- Impulsivity -- Persistence -- Inhibition; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.06.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Recent research has shown that napping can increase positive mood, and improve immune functioning, demonstrating the additional benefits of naps beyond reducing sleepiness and fatigue. Because prolonged wakefulness is becoming more common, it is becoming increasingly important to identify effective approaches to decrease resultant cognitive deficiencies. The present study aimed to examine the impact of a brief, midday nap on an aspect of executive functioning, emotional control. 40 subjects were randomized into a nap or no-nap condition, and emotional control was measured with a self-report impulsivity measure and frustration tolerance task. Results revealed that nappers showed a decrease in self-reported impulsivity and increased tolerance for frustration, while those in the no-nap condition showed the opposite pattern. These results indicate that emotional control may become impaired from wakefulness that builds across the day, and that napping may be an effective countermeasure. Highlight: Nappers were able to tolerate frustration significantly longer than non-nappers. Non-nappers reported feeling more impulsive after a 60 minute period. Nappers reported feeling less impulsive after a 60 minute nap.