Regular Napping Could Protect Your Brain From Aging.

A 2023 study by Paz V et al. from UCL and the University of the Republic in Uruguay linked regular daytime napping to larger brain volume. Analyzing 378,932 people aged 40-69 from the UK Biobank, researchers used Mendelian randomization to find that those genetically prone to napping had brains 15.8 cm³ larger, equivalent to 2.6-6.5 years less brain aging. This suggests short naps may slow brain shrinkage and lower dementia risk.

However, the study found no strong link between napping and memory or reaction time. Short naps (5-30 minutes) seem most beneficial, while longer naps might indicate sleep problems. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in diverse populations.

Try short naps (under 30 minutes) in the early afternoon to potentially support brain health.