Taking a short nap during the day is good for your brain health, says new study
Short 30 minute daytime naps keep brain healthy. Photo: Unsplash/Bruce Mars
Short daytime naps have been found to contribute to improved brain health and help slow down the process of brain shrinkage, according to researchers at University College London.
Yes, you heard it right, a study suggests that those regular 30-minute short naps during the day are a boon for your overall brain health. The study has proven that short naps have delayed aging between three to six years, as the research team showcased that the nappers' brains were 15 cubic centimeters larger. Although, scientists suggest and advise that the naps should be less than 30 minutes. (I guess those 20 minute power naps can be a game changer)
"We are suggesting that everybody could potentially experience some benefit from napping. However, daytime naps are certainly challenging for individuals in various careers. (I mean, can you imagine finding the time to take a nap at the office or even when working from home?) This situation can be tricky due to the demanding nature of the workplace and the constant grind," Dr Victoria Garfield, a co-author of the study from University College London, said to the BBC.
Study and findings
The study, conducted by University College London and the University of the Republic of Uruguay, analyzed data from the UK Biobank study, which collected lifestyle, genetic, and health information from 500,000 individuals aged between 40 to 69.
Researchers examined data from 35,080 Biobank participants to investigate the link between genetic predisposition to habitual daytime napping and brain volume and cognition.
The conclusions drawn from the research indicate a correlation between genetic predisposition to daytime napping and larger brain volume, suggesting a delay in aging of 2.6 to 6.5 years.
While the study did not find a significant difference in cognitive function measures among habitual nappers, it suggests that short daytime naps may play a role in preserving brain health as individuals age.
Importance and limitations of the study
Although the study has its limitations, such as the reliance on self-reported napping habits from UK Biobank participants, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, the president of the British Neuroscience Association, acknowledges its significance in highlighting the importance of sleep for brain health.
It should be noted that the study primarily focused on data from white British individuals, and the benefits of napping for those without a genetic predisposition to habitual napping remain unclear.
Lead author and PhD candidate, Valentina Paz from University of the Republic and UCL said: "This is the first study to attempt to untangle the causal relationship between habitual daytime napping and cognitive and structural brain outcomes."
Bottom line
This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between habitual daytime napping, brain health, and cognitive outcomes. While further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and generalize the findings to a more diverse population, the study underscores the potential benefits of incorporating short daytime naps into daily routines as a means of supporting brain health.