A brief nap in the afternoon was related to better mental agility through a new study: better local awareness, verbal fluency, and working memory were observed in participants who took a nap compared to those who did not.
The research examined a total of 2,214 people aged 60 and over in China. They were all asked what their napping habits were and then were given a series of tests to measure different types of cognitive ability, from problem solving to concentration.
Although the duration and frequency of naps varied among volunteers who were interviewed, the analysis found “significantly higher” cognitive performance scores in people who said they regularly had some eyes closed in the middle of the day. day.
“Several studies have shown that napping in the afternoon promotes cognitive function in the elderly; on the other hand, some studies have shown opposite results,” the researchers write in their published work.
“This study highlighted higher cognitive performance in nappers in the elderly, supporting previous observational studies.”
That some studies respond to the idea that daytime postponement is related to better brain function, while other studies do not is a bit of an enigma to scientists and to those of us wondering if we should work to form a habit of nap or not.
Researchers in this case suggest that whether the nap is intentional or not, as well as the length of the naps, may play a role; these factors were not measured here, although naps were defined as lasting less than two hours and more than five minutes.
Even with the limitations of the study – which is not enough to show cause and effect, just an association – researchers say it is a useful look at how napping can act as a kind of mediator between ill health and inflammatory responses of the body.
Previous studies have looked in detail at the links between sleep and the immune system, and there are suggestions that napping may also have an effect here.
It’s important to remember that health and wellness go far beyond cognitive function, so there are many things to keep in mind when figuring out if a nap is really good for us.
“When a disease or cell damage occurs, napping can help regulate the inflammatory response,” the researchers write.
This study also examined the level of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, in participants.
The results found that regular diapers had higher levels of these lipids than those who did not, perhaps because those with a more sedentary lifestyle are more likely to take a nap. This is another area on which future research could focus, as suggested by the team behind the study.
Although napping usually becomes more frequent as people age, scientists are still unsure whether this type of daily nap can help prevent dementia and other types of cognitive impairment, or whether it is actually a symptom. .
Right now the consensus seems to be that, in general, napping is usually good for us and there is no doubt that, in general terms, getting enough sleep and rest is essential to keeping our bodies healthy and healthy.
And if you’re wondering the prevalence of naps in the study sample, 1,534 people reported that they had taken at least occasional naps, while 680 did not, so if you’re tempted to close your eyes during the day, you are definitely not alone.
The research has been published in General psychiatry.