Why you should take a nap during the day, according to science
Fancy a longer lunch break? Then show this article to the boss. Who knows, you might get paid siestas soon. Because according to science, taking a nap during the day is very beneficial for the brain. And so also for your work.
Even if you always go to bed at the ideal time, your eyelids may already be drooping by noon. But unfortunately, we do not live in Spain. Colleagues will give you a strange look when you decide to take a short nap at the office.
Unless, of course, you show those emptyheads this brand new study. “Association between daytime napping and greater total brain volume.”
Napping during the day is good for the brain
A larger brain volume is associated with a lower risk of dementia and other degenerative diseases. And research from the prestigious University College London found a small but significant increase in this brain volume in people who often nap during the day.
In fact, the average difference in brain volume between the sleepers and non-sleepers studied equates to an aging of 2.5 to 6.5 years. People who never spontaneously close their eyes during the day generally not only age faster, they are also more likely to develop brain disorders later on.
Moreover, it was not a small sample. The British researchers used a technique called Mendelian randomization to analyze DNA samples and brain scans from 35,080 people between the ages of 40 and 69.
The scientists first looked at parts of the genetic code linked to regular napping. They then compared the brain health of people who napped frequently with the cognition of people who never napped. The results showed that a short nap of 5 to 15 minutes after noon can make a big difference in brain health, especially later in life.
However, the guinea pigs themselves entered how often they took a nap during the day. In addition, the researchers have not collected any information about the duration of the nap, which can of course also have an influence. But hey, your boss doesn’t need to know that.
Check out the full research Sleep Health where the results were published this week.
How might the lack of information on nap duration impact the validity of the study’s findings about the benefits of napping
Why You Should Take a Nap During the Day, According to Science
Need a longer lunch break? Well, science is on your side. In fact, taking a nap during the day has been found to be incredibly beneficial for your brain and, ultimately, your work performance. So, next time you feel those mid-afternoon eyelids drooping, don’t be afraid to indulge in a little siesta.
While napping may be common in countries like Spain, it’s not exactly the norm in many other parts of the world. However, a groundbreaking study titled “Association between daytime napping and greater total brain volume” from the prestigious University College London might just change people’s minds.
The study revealed that a larger brain volume is directly linked to a lower risk of degenerative diseases like dementia. And here’s the exciting part: regular nappers were found to have a small, but significant, increase in brain volume. In fact, the difference in brain volume between those who napped and those who didn’t equated to an aging difference of 2.5 to 6.5 years. This means that those who never take a nap not only age faster but are also more likely to develop brain disorders later in life.
To conduct this research, the scientists analyzed DNA samples and brain scans from an impressive sample of 35,080 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69. By examining specific parts of the genetic code associated with regular napping, they were able to compare the brain health of frequent nappers with those who never napped. The findings revealed that a brief nap of 5 to 15 minutes taken after noon can have a significant impact on long-term brain health.
However, it’s worth noting that the study relied on self-reported data from participants regarding their napping habits. Additionally, the researchers did not collect information on the duration of the naps, which may also play a role in its effects. Nevertheless, the overall results are promising and shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating a short nap into your daily routine.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling to stay focused in the afternoon, don’t hesitate to take a quick power nap. Your brain, and ultimately your productivity, will thank you for it. And who knows, maybe in the near future, paid siestas will become the norm in your workplace.
