The simple habit that can cut the risk of dementia and keep the brain 'young'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukWhile we may feel bad about them, there are many so-called bad habits that have surprising benefits. Among those guilty pleasures are naps, with recent studies suggesting they can actually improve concentration and memory function.
There's no need to feel lazy for indulging in daytime sleep. New research from University College London has found that taking a short nap could improve brain health and even slow the rate at which is shrinks with age. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. And brain boosting isn’t the only benefit, says Hannah Shore, a sleep expert for Silentnight. “Napping during the early afternoon can be a great way of improving concentration for fatigue reaction time and memory function when we start to feel tired during the day,” she says. “Between noon and 3pm is the best optimal time, allowing you to take up feeling refreshed without impacting your ability to fall asleep during the night.” Research suggests it’s best to stick to 20-minute naps to avoid waking up feeling groggy. “Lie on top of the covers and ensure your bedroom is dimly lit to prevent your body thinking it’s bedtime,” Hannah added.
Regular naps can also help keep the brain young and reduce the risk of developing dementia, another study suggests. Researchers from University College London hope their findings into the health benefits of sleeping during the day will reduce any stigma that still exists around daytime napping.
And it also will help medics who are trying to understand more about the causes of dementia by looking at genes already believed to have an impact and identify different effects on them.
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