Science of Learning Strategy Series: Article 5, Incentivizing Sleep in Continuing Professional Development.

Abstract

The science of learning (learning science) is an interprofessional field that concerns itself with how the brain learns and remembers important information. Learning science has compiled a set of evidence-based strategies, such as distributed practice, retrieval practice, and interleaving, which are quite relevant to continuing professional development (CPD). Spreading out study and practice separated by cognitive breaks (distributed practice), testing oneself to check mastery and memory of previously learned information (retrieval practice), and mixing the learning of distinct but related material (interleaving) represent strategies that are underutilized in CPD. Participants and planners alike can benefit from learning science recommendations to inform their decisions. Sleep, the subject of this article and critical to distributed practice, is the ideal circumstance for the brain to process priority information. The authors make the case for sleep as a legitimate part of a learning activity and worthy of consideration in the award of CPD credits.