2023-07-01 07:30:57
Regular naps may have benefits for brain health. A new study shows that people with a genetic predisposition to take naps have a higher brain volume than others, indicating a lesser decrease in brain aging compared to non-nappers. Although the study does not reveal a causal link between and brain health, it nevertheless offers a new perspective for exploration.
The benefits of naps for brain health
Research indicates that short naps can improve cognition, but a direct causal link between naps and brain health remains to be determined. A new study by researchers from University College London, University of the Republic in Uruguay and the Broad Institute in Massachusetts uses an analysis technique to highlight causal relationships.
The study examines the possible association between a genetic predisposition to nap and brain volume, an indicator of brain health. The researchers analyzed data from 378,932 participants at the UK Biobank, whose average age was 57. Among these people, they identified those with the 92 genetic variants associated with regular naps. They also assessed brain volume, hippocampal volume, reaction time and visual memory in people with these genetic markers.
The researchers found that people with these genetic characteristics were more likely to have larger brain volumes. Decreased brain volume is associated with neurodegeneration in the form of atrophy caused by cell death, so it is considered a sign of health. The study was published in Sleep Health.
The links between naps and brain health
Napping is an activity rooted in many cultures, with millions of people around the world taking a short rest during the day. Some people may feel guilty for taking naps, but research suggests that naps have value.
A 2016 study found that doing 30-90 minute naps may have cognitive benefits. People may wake up more alert and lively following such periods of rest. However, the same study suggests that taking longer naps can lead to cognitive problems.
The relationship between naps and long-term cognitive health, however, remains unclear. One study found that cognitively healthy people who take regular naps have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while another study found the opposite effect.
A causal relationship or simply an association?
The study’s lead author said her study found a 15.8cc increase in total brain volume in people who took more frequent naps. She called this “equivalent to regarding 2.6 to 6.5 years of aging difference.”
How naps can help brain health
Leep is important for removing toxins from the brain and maintaining health.. Loss of slow-wave sleep with age has been associated with cortical atrophy. If naps contain slow-wave sleep, it might help guard once morest cognitive aging and atrophy. Although dreams are generally associated with REM sleep and not slow-wave sleep, recent research indicates that it is possible to dream even during slow-wave delta sleep.
The importance of sleeping well
These results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between daytime nap frequency and brain health, although there is still work to be done on this topic. Although regular naps may be associated with higher brain volume, there is still much to learn regarding the relationship between naps and brain health.
More research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and whether naps can actually rejuvenate the brain. In the meantime, it is recommended to maintain good sleep hygiene and to consult a health professional in case of sleep or mental health problems. Take care of your brain and give yourself a little restorative nap when you feel the need.
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