Taking short daytime naps may help maintain brain health as individuals age, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of the Republic of Uruguay. The study suggests that habitual napping is associated with larger total brain volume, which in turn is linked to a lower risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The research, published in the journal Sleep Health, utilized data from the UK Biobank study, which includes genetic, lifestyle, and health information from 500,000 individuals aged 40 to 69. By analyzing data from 35,080 Biobank participants, the researchers investigated the correlation between genetic variants related to habitual daytime napping and brain volume, cognition, and other aspects of brain health.
The findings revealed that individuals who regularly engaged in daytime napping had larger total brain volume, equivalent to a slower rate of brain aging by 2.5 to 6.5 years, compared to those who did not nap. This association suggests that napping might offer some protection against neurodegeneration by compensating for poor sleep quality.
However, previous studies show that excessive napping can have negative effects. Participants who reported napping for longer than 90 minutes exhibited issues with cognitive performance, such as difficulty with memory and thinking skills. It is recommended to limit daytime naps to a duration of 30 to 90 minutes for optimal brain benefits in older adults.
The study contributes to the growing body of research on sleep and brain health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to daytime napping. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and expand the understanding of how napping impacts brain function as we age.