Regular midday naps have been found to increase brain volume in older adults, reducing the risk of dementia and other cognitive diseases. Recent studies have explored the effects of sleep on the brain, revealing that sleep deprivation can affect perception and lead to depression, reduced cognitive performance, and other health problems in children. Additionally, a study found that midday naps can reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers at University College London have now discovered that midday naps can help preserve brain health and slow down the loss of brain volume in older adults. There is a direct correlation between regular napping and increased brain volume, which is a sign of stable brain health and reduces the likelihood of cognitive diseases.
The researchers identified 97 gene variants that influence whether people tend to take midday naps using Mendelian randomization. They then examined whether the brain health and cognitive performance of people who genetically tend to take midday naps differ from those who do not possess these gene variants. Health data from 378,932 people in the UK Biobank study were used. Overall, people who tend to nap have a larger total brain volume, with an average difference of 2.6 to 6.5 years of aging compared to those who do not nap. However, the researchers did not find any differences in cognitive performance, which was determined by reaction time, visual processing, and hippocampal volume.
Valentina Paz stated that this is the first study to demonstrate a causal relationship between midday naps and brain volume. By examining genetic factors that are determined at birth, Mendelian randomization avoids confounding factors that may occur later in life and could influence the associations between napping and health outcomes. The study suggests a causal relationship between regular napping and a larger total brain volume. Information on the duration of the participants’ naps was not available, but previous studies have indicated that naps of minutes or less provide the best short-term cognitive benefits and that naps should be taken early in the day to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep.
In conclusion, regular midday naps can help preserve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive diseases in older adults. The study provides evidence of a causal relationship between napping and brain volume, highlighting the importance of sleep for brain health.
