A power nap at lunchtime positively affects the brain – at least, that’s what a new study now suggests! According to researchers, regular short naps could even reduce the risk of dementia.
Why the nap should not escalate, however, you learn here.
Midday naps are suitable for the brain – according to a study.
A new study now makes the siesta palatable to us! Because regular midday naps are supposed to keep the brain more significant for longer. What is meant by this? A short excursion into the anatomy of the human body follows: Our brain consists of a vast number of interconnected nerve cells. With age, the brain mass continuously decreases. This is quite normal. However, in the case of dementia, for example, there is an exceptionally rapid loss of brain tissue. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this type of disease. But a new study now provides a clue as to how to slow down the loss of brain mass.
Earlier studies have already suggested that sleep problems could affect accelerated brain shrinkage. A recent study by a research group from the U.K.’s University College London and the University of the Republic in Uruguay ties into that theory. The study shows that people who nap regularly have, on average, a 1.3 percent increase in brain volume.
The research team analyzed over 300,000 people.
The research team analyzed DNA samples from more than 35,000 people aged 40 to 69 in a study. The results have now been published in the journal Sleep Health. The scientists found that certain genetic predispositions make some people more likely to fall asleep during daylight hoursTheyey tend to take a power nap during the day due to their DNA. And precisely, these nap-affine individuals showed greater brain volume in the study. Specifically, scans revealed that the brains of study participants:- who regularly napped during the day – looked 2.6 to 6.5 years younger.
“Our results suggest that for some people, short naps help maintain brain health as they age – and that’s potentially positive for dementia prevention,” study leader Victoria Garfield, M.D., said in a news release.
The nap should not last longer than half an hour
However, the researcher also emphasizes that naps should not get out of hand. In the study, the researchers recommend an early afternoon sleep of less than 30 minutes. This, they say, can protect the brain from deterioration that results from too little sleep at night. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of a nap also unfold in people without a genetic predisposition. Further studies are therefore needed to support the thesis.
- Source: miss.at/picture: Foto von Alexander Grey auf Unsplash
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