Translating for Practice: A Case Study of Recommendations From the Wakeful Rest Literature

Translational research—a bridge between research in more controlled settings and application in more complex contexts—is an essential step in developing effective evidence-based practices. Yet, it is rare. Previous lab-based research has recommended wakeful rest (WR)—a relaxed state of mind in the absence of activity—as a classroom intervention to promote memory consolidation and improve both short- and long-term memory. We implemented the proposed WR intervention in a simulated classroom context. The results did not support the recommendations from studies in more controlled settings: WR did not improve participants’ short- or long-term memory. We discuss the importance of translational research in applying promising principles to classroom settings before making recommendations for practice.