A new study suggests that daytime napping might prevent your brain from shrinking as you get older.
Key Takeaways
What Is the Optimal Nap Time?
“I often suggest patients not to take a nap longer than 40 minutes,” Xu told Verywell.
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A 2021 meta-analysis also suggested that short naps can reduce fatigue, boost productivity, and improve physical performance.
Napping too much could be unhealthy.
Researchers examined thegenetic variantsassociated with regular napping.
Based on the data, the researchers found a link between habitual daytime napping and larger brain volume.
However, no association was found between napping and cognitive performance, such as reaction time or visual memory.
Still, not all naps are good for you.
There’s a difference between a healthy dose of daytime sleep and counterproductive excessive snoozing.
How Can You Avoid Napping for Too Long?
Xu recommends setting an alarm for a nap or asking a family member to wake you up.
One study also suggestsconsuming caffeine before a nap may be the best countermeasure for sleep inertia.
Engaging in physical activities before and after naps can also help promote wakefulness.
In this case, sleeping more than your body needs will only worsen your sleep quality at night.
Summary
Regular daytime napping might help slow down the aging process from natural brain shrinkage.
A Mendelian randomization study in the UK Biobank.Sleep Health.
2016;54(6):528-541. doi:10.2486/indhealth.2015-0236
