Stress can help boost memory

Researchers in the US believe regular stress can help to boost your memory.

Studies on rats at the University of Californian in Berkeley found that short bursts of stress prime the brain for improved performance.

Stress is typically associated with increasing the risk of heart conditions, but Daniela Kaufer, associate professor of integrative biology at the university, says some levels of trauma are good for you.

"I think intermittent stressful events are probably what keeps the brain more alert, and you perform better when you are alert," she said.

Dr Kaufer added that the study conflicts previous research which have suggested that elevated levels of stress can lead to cognitive impairment.

It seems that the big question is when stress becomes too much and begins have a detrimental effect on a person's wellbeing.

The study was published in the online journal eLife. It was recently revealed that sniffing rosemary can also help to boost brain function and memory.