United Kingdom: A new study has suggested that taking short naps during the day may be beneficial for brain health, as it appears to be associated with larger brain volume. While previous studies have linked long naps to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, recent research indicated that brief naps can enhance learning abilities.
The new findings noted that napping may also help protect against brain shrinkage, which is accelerated in individuals with cognitive problems and neurodegenerative diseases.
The study, conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of the Republic in Uruguay, utilised data from the UK Biobank study, which collected genetic, lifestyle, and health information from over 500,000 individuals aged 40 to 69. By examining data from 35,080 participants, the researchers explored the relationship between genetic variants associated with self-reported habitual daytime napping and brain volume, cognition, and other aspects of brain health.
The use of genetic variants allowed the researchers to reduce the impact of lifestyle factors on napping habits and brain health. The study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition to daytime napping had larger brain volume, suggesting that regular napping may compensate for poor sleep and protect against neurodegeneration.
Although participants who reported rarely or never napping initially showed larger brain volume, the reverse relationship emerged when genetic predisposition was taken into account. The findings indicated an association between genetic predisposition to habitual daytime napping and larger brain volume, equivalent to 2.6 to 6.5 fewer years of ageing. However, no relationship was observed between napping and cognitive performance.
Dr. Victoria Garfield, a co-author of the study, emphasised the potential positive impact of short daytime naps on dementia prevention. While the exact duration of naps for optimal benefits remains unclear, previous research suggests that naps of up to 30 minutes may be beneficial.
WORLD ROUNDUP: Russia blocks humanitarian aid to victims of dam rupture; UN
