Want to improve your memory? Try relaxing

All those late nights studying for hours on end in Bobst might not have been as useful as watching a few episodes of "30 Rock" in between classes.

A recent study conducted by NYU's Department of Psychology found that memories are enhanced during periods of rest while we are awake. The results suggest that taking small breaks while studying or after class can help retain information.

The study conducted experiments measuring the brain activity of 16 participants. According to Arielle Tambini, a doctoral candidate at the Graduate School of Arts and Science involved in the research, the study looks at the brain's activity during rest in relationship to memory consolidation.

"Our results provide evidence that, when given a rest after a learning experience, the amount of correlated brain activity that a given participant has during that rest period, the better their memory might be for that experience," Tambini said.

According to Lila Davachi, an associate professor in the department of psychology, the study should impact students' study habits.

"It is a 'gift,' suggesting that taking a break may allow ... class material to strengthen," Davachi said.

CAS senior Roopak Cehon agreed that breaks are necessary.

"You should never study more than an hour to an hour and a half," he said.

But some students feel differently.

CAS junior Soo Choi limits her own study breaks to 15 minutes and extends her total study time.

Although, Choi said, "You [can] take that to the extreme."

The study is the first of its kind to provide evidence of the correlation between brain activity during awake rest and memory in humans.

Tambini said now that the initial evidence is provided for, they plan on further exploring the findings.