Midday naps aren’t just a guilty pleasure. They could be your brain’s secret weapon.
A study has uncovered that the right kind of nap, at the right time, might actually help keep your brain younger for longer.
Napping could make your brain younger
Research shows that regular daytime naps may reduce your brain's biological age by as much as 6.5 years, making a strong case for scheduling in some snooze time.
378,000 participants can't be wrong
The study used data from the UK Biobank and analyzed responses from nearly 400,000 people aged 40 to 69. That’s a massive sample with powerful implications.
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Nappers have larger brain volume
According to the findings, people who nap tend to have a slightly larger brain volume – about 15.8 cm³ more than the UK average.
Larger brain volume is often linked to better brain health.
Your need for a nap might be in your genes
Some people are genetically inclined to nap during the day. If you regularly crave a nap, it might just be your DNA looking out for your brain.
Early afternoon is the best time to nap
The sweet spot for napping is between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., when your natural energy dips. A nap during this window can help restore alertness and focus.
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A good nap can boost brain function for hours
A well-timed power nap can enhance your mental performance, with effects that last for up to three hours. Think of it as a brain reset.
The ideal nap is shorter than you'd expect
You don’t need a long siesta to see the benefits. In fact, a brief 15-minute nap is all it takes to refresh your brain - and anything longer could have the opposite effect.
Older adults benefit from slightly longer naps
A 2016 study found that adults aged 65 and over who napped between 30 to 90 minutes performed better on cognitive tests than those who didn’t nap or napped too long.
Not all scientists agree
Some researchers caution that the study shows correlation, not causation.
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That is, it’s unclear whether napping increases brain size or if naturally larger brains are more inclined to nap.
Some countries are already ahead of the game
Countries like Spain and Japan have long embraced the benefits of daytime napping in their cultures and workplaces. Perhaps it’s time the rest of us caught up.
This article is based on information from Ladbible.com.
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