CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr Jennifer Ashton appeared on The Early Show to explain how the process works.
"You can think of it almost like putting Jell-O in the refrigerator.
You can eat the Jell-O before it's really hardened, but it's really good once it's been locked in, and that's the thinking behind what sleeping does to processing memory," she told the news source.
The Harvard researchers asked participants to complete a puzzle on a computer screen. Half of the individuals were then allowed to take a 90 minute nap, while the other group stayed awake.
After retaking the test, the participants who slept performed better than those who did not. Those who said they dreamed during their quick rest yielded the best results.
Retirement living seniors who feel their memory skills are lacking can try to sneak in naps during the day or got to bed earlier. According to the Sleep Foundation, older adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
© Copyright