How sleep could help babies learn to talk earlier than usual
Numerous studies urge people to get adequate amounts of sleep because the health benefits are life changing. Now, scientists shed light on how it can improve your baby's learning ability.
A new study conducted by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany, found infants were able to associate words earlier than previously thought. Babies as young as six to eight months old were able to make the association, the Daily Mail reported.
Babies in the study were introduced to "fantasy objects" which had fantasy names. Objects of the similar type were given the same name but differed in colour and shape, the report revealed.
At first, the babies were unable to connect objects with the name. However, when they took a nap after the learning activity, the babies’ performance improved drastically. They were able to identify and differentiate between the objects.
Researchers found the results were due to a midday nap. 50 minutes to be exact showed significant improvement in their reaction. Sleep researchers believe "had consolidated their knowledge".