Sleep deprived? How a quick workout can help preserve memory

Going without sleep makes it harder to concentrate and learn new information. And for people who work overnight or face an occasional period of severe sleep loss, getting enough rest may not always be possible in the moment. Can anything help us focus besides sleep? A recent study published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences compared two strategies for protecting memory after sleep deprivation: aerobic exercise and a nap. Researchers wanted to know whether a short bout of exercise really provides some of the same cognitive benefit as a nap. As it turns out, the answer may be yes. So, what does this finding mean for everyday sleep and exercise habits? To help understand how people can apply these results, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University.