Short Daytime Naps Linked to Larger Brain Volume, Study Finds

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Regular short naps may help protect your brain as it ages according to a major study by University College London and Uruguayan researchers

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People who took daytime naps had larger total brain volumes suggesting that napping could slow brain aging by up to 6 and a half years

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Researchers used genetic data from over 35000 people aged 40 to 69 to study the relationship between napping habits and brain health

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Using a method called Mendelian randomization they linked specific genes to napping tendencies and compared brain volumes accordingly

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The results suggest short naps especially 5 to 15 minutes in the early afternoon may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline

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Experts say this could change how we view napping and help remove the stigma around daytime rest especially as we age

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However scientists also warn that long or frequent naps could be a sign of early dementia so moderation is key

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