Regular Daytime Naps Linked to Better Brain Health
Good news for nap lovers: a new study suggests that adults who take regular daytime naps may have healthier, larger brains.
Researchers from University College London and the University of the Republic found that a daily 30-minute nap could help support long-term brain health. Analysing data from nearly 400,000 people in the UK, the study linked habitual napping to slower brain shrinkage and a potentially reduced risk of dementia.
According to the researchers, short daytime naps may help preserve brain volume as we age — potentially delaying signs of ageing by several years. While napping isn’t a magic solution, experts say it could be one small but meaningful habit that supports cognitive wellbeing.
The key? Keep it short. About 20–30 minutes is ideal for refreshing the mind without disrupting nighttime sleep.
So if you enjoy a midday power nap, science might be on your side.
