After a night of poor sleep, many people turn to coffee to get through the day. But taking a short nap or doing some light exercise may also help improve alertness and mental performance.

Lack of sleep can affect concentration, memory, reaction speed and decision-making. Even a single night of insufficient rest can make everyday tasks feel more difficult and leave people struggling to stay focused.

A brief nap may give the brain a chance to recover. Short periods of sleep can temporarily improve alertness and reduce some of the mental fog that comes with exhaustion, particularly when someone is having trouble staying awake.

Physical activity can provide another boost. A short walk, gentle stretching or a light workout can increase alertness and improve mood, making it easier to concentrate. However, strenuous exercise may not be appropriate when someone is severely tired.

Doctors emphasize that neither a nap nor exercise can replace a full night’s sleep. These strategies can provide temporary benefits, but the body and brain still need adequate nighttime rest to properly recover.

The best option may depend on the situation. Someone who is struggling to keep their eyes open may benefit more from a short nap, while a person who cannot rest may find that a few minutes of gentle movement helps them feel more awake.

Ultimately, these are short-term strategies rather than solutions to chronic sleep deprivation. Getting consistent, good-quality sleep remains essential for maintaining memory, concentration, mood and overall cognitive health.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/26/health/sleep-loss-exercise-nap-memory-wellness?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc&recs_exp=most-popular-article-end&tenant_id=popular.en