A study conducted by a team of scientists found that taking regular naps can have positive effects on brain health and may even slow down the aging process. The researchers discovered that individuals who napped had brains that were about 15 cubic centimeters larger, which is equivalent to delaying aging by three to six years.
However, the study suggests that naps should be limited to less than half an hour to reap the benefits. Despite the potential advantages, daytime sleep is not easily incorporated into many professions due to work culture frowning upon the practice.
Dr. Victoria Garfield, one of the researchers, emphasized that the findings suggest that everyone could potentially benefit from napping. She described the results as both novel and exciting.
Napping is known to be crucial for development during infancy but becomes less common as we age. However, there is a resurgence in popularity among retirees, with 27% of individuals over the age of 65 reporting taking daytime naps.