According to researchers from University College London, incorporating regular Midday Siesta into our routine is beneficial for the brain and can contribute to its long-term preservation.
In their study, the researchers demonstrated that individuals who took regular naps had brains that were approximately 15 cubic centimetres (0.9 cubic inches) larger. This increase in brain size is comparable to the effect of delaying the aging process by approximately three to six years.
Nonetheless, the scientists advise limiting the duration of naps to under 30 minutes.
The researchers noted that incorporating daytime sleep can be challenging in numerous professions, as work culture often discourages or disapproves of such practices.
Dr. Victoria Garfield, in discussing the research findings, expressed the belief that everyone has the potential to derive benefits from napping. She described the results as both innovative and thrilling.
Napping plays a crucial role in early development during infancy, becomes less prevalent as we grow older, and experiences a resurgence in popularity during retirement. Approximately 27% of individuals aged 65 and above have reported engaging in daytime napping.
According to Dr. Garfield, following the recommendation to take naps is relatively simple compared to challenging tasks like weight loss or exercise, which many individuals find difficult to accomplish.
While the brain naturally undergoes shrinkage as we age, further research is necessary to determine whether napping could potentially serve as a preventive measure against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Preserving overall brain health is crucial in safeguarding against dementia, and there is a connection between disrupted sleep and the development of this condition.
The researchers propose that prolonged sleep deprivation can gradually harm the brain by inducing inflammation and impairing the connectivity between brain cells.
Researcher Valentina Paz stated that regular napping could potentially serve as a protective measure against neurodegeneration by serving as a compensatory mechanism for insufficient sleep.
Dr. Garfield, on the other hand, does not intend to find a comfortable spot for napping during work hours and instead opts for alternative methods to care for her brain.
“I personally prefer dedicating 30 minutes to exercise rather than taking a nap. In fact, I might suggest the same to my mother,” Dr. Garfield expressed her preference for exercise over napping and her intention to recommend it to her mother.
Here’s how we can find the answer for Midday Siesta is really benefical:
Napping research poses its own set of challenges.
While napping has the potential to enhance health, it is important to note that the opposite can also be true. Poor health conditions can often result in increased fatigue, leading to a greater need for napping.
The researchers employed a clever methodology to provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of napping.
The researchers leveraged a large-scale natural experiment centered around DNA, the genetic code we possess from birth. Earlier studies have identified 97 specific segments of our DNA that influence our tendency to engage in napping or to stay awake throughout the day.
Dr. Garfield described the study’s findings as “intriguing,” as they revealed a “modest yet meaningful increase in brain volume.” These results further contribute to the existing evidence that emphasises the importance of sleep in maintaining brain health.
While the researchers did not specifically investigate the benefits of longer daytime sleep episodes, they indicated that scientific evidence suggests a recommended cutoff of around 30 minutes for optimal results.
