Creating a Buzz for Brain Health: All the Benefits of a Short Nap
Introduction
We all know how good it feels to take a quick nap during the day. But did you know that those short rests may also be helping to boost your brain health? A new study found that those five-to-15-minute naps can effectively help to improve your cognition and promote overall brain health.
What Is a Short Nap?
While the new study focused on those five-to-15-minute naps, the researchers defined naps of up to 30 minutes as a “short nap” timeframe. This means that if you find yourself needing a longer rest, you may still benefit from a “short nap,” so long as it’s only up to a half-hour in length.
What Are the Benefits?
The study found that those brief naps are associated with improvements in memory, creativity, and executive function. These benefits can help to protect your brain against age-related decline and may even promote better concentration and decrease stress.
Conclusion
The next time you’re feeling the need for a quick snooze, don’t feel guilty about taking a few minutes to get some rest. Not only can those short naps help you feel better throughout the day, but they may also be helping to protect and improve your brain health.