Sleeping after lunch may reduce the risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease. Correct timing, however, is crucial.
That nap after lunch, usually in the early afternoon, could be a great idea. Researchers have identified a moderate causal relationship between nap and a slowing of the brain shrinkage process typical of aging.
The study published in the journal Sleep Health found that a nap regular is good for the brain in the long term, as a larger total organ volume reduces the risk of dementia and other diseases.
Researchers from the University of the Republic of Uruguay and University College London have found that regular naps are good for the brain in the long term (Photo: Getty Images)
For the study, researchers from the University of the Republic of Uruguay and University College London analyzed data from 378,932 individuals aged 40 to 69 from the long-term UK Biobank study. According to research, There is also a genetic predisposition to the tendency to nap.
According to sleep experts at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States, yes three types of individuals for whom napping is particularly important: those who wake up very early; those suffering from sleep disorders; and who genetically need more sleep.
Does napping increase cognitive ability?
It’s unclear, however, whether naps improve mental abilities. Sleep experts from Michigan, USA, for example, found no benefit for cognitive abilities. In Uruguay, scientists also found no indication of improvement in reaction times or visual processing.
In turn, Chinese research concluded that a the afternoon nap improves cognitive abilities in the elderly. Although they are frowned upon in many Western countries, naps are very common in China, Japan and Spain.
“In China, nap time is integrated into the post-lunch schedule of many adults at work and students at school,” says Xiaopeng Ji of the University of Delaware.
Hypertension and stroke?
However, another Chinese study, based on data collected in the United Kingdom, indicated that frequent or regular napping was associated with a 12% greater risk of developing high blood pressure and a 24% greater risk of stroke, compared to those who did not they never take a nap.
Many of the participants, however, were men (who generally take less care of their health), as well as having low levels of education and income, smoking and drinking alcohol daily, suffering from insomnia or having nocturnal habits.
A hypertension or obesity they can also cause above-average fatigue. Napping is also often linked to obesity, but is not necessarily responsible for poor health. Researcher Michael Grandner, from the University of Arizona, recalls that those who fall asleep are often those who cannot sleep at night:
“Poor night sleep leads to worsening health, and a nap is not enough to compensate.”
The perfect nap
According to a Swiss study only occasional naps are good for heart health. In other words: once or twice a week, not every day. “An occasional nap, rather than a daily one, significantly reduces cardiovascular risks,” explains Hans-Joachim Trappe, director of Clinic II of the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany.
Sporadic naps, therefore, are good for the brain and heart.O. 20 to 30 minutes are enough to prevent the sleeper from falling into a deep sleep and then feeling more tired than before the nap.
This content is a work originally published by the German agency DW. The opinion expressed by the publication does not reflect or represent the opinion of this portal or its collaborators.
This content is a work originally published by the German agency DW. The opinion expressed by the publication does not reflect or represent the opinion of this portal or its collaborators.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
