Is it true that your brain shrinks?
The surprising relationship between naps and the brain

I used to think of naps as a habit for old people.
However, recently, it seems that this is not the case.

"It seems like it's a good idea to take a nap."
You may have heard this story somewhere.
However, the "good reason" was a little beyond my imagination.

What――
A shocking study has come out that suggests that people who take naps may experience slower brain shrinkage .

This time, I would like to introduce the relationship between naps and brain atrophy in a casual yet thorough manner.
By the time you finish reading, you'll probably want to take a nap.

England and Uruguay are getting serious

First, let's start with the content of the research.
The project was undertaken by researchers from University College London (UCL) and a university in Uruguay.

The survey targeted 35,080 people aged between 40 and 69 .
This is a daunting project that involves analyzing DNA information and MRI images of the brain.

They focused on what differences there are in the brains of people who take naps and those who don't.
When I first heard about it, I thought, "Can it really make that much of a difference?", but the results were pretty amazing.

Differences in brain youth

The brains of people who took a nap
The rate of atrophy was 2.5 to 6.5 years slower than normal .

in short--
"People who take naps tend to keep their brain volume younger."

This is a pretty big number when converted into age.
For example, even if a person is 60 years old, their brain is in the state of a 54 year old.
Honestly, don't you feel like you've gotten a little something extra?

Personally, I find the idea of ​​"anti-aging your brain with a nap" quite appealing.
A nap might be more effective than a beauty serum.

Why does a nap protect the brain?

Although the research team said they were unable to prove a direct causal relationship, they did find a significant correlation.
So why is a nap good for your brain?

There are many possibilities, but roughly speaking:

• Because you can rest when your brain gets tired
• Reduces oxidative stress
• The core body temperature drops temporarily, promoting brain repair.

Regardless of the logic, the bottom line is that taking a nap calms your brain and gives you time to maintain yourself.

It's true that your mind often feels clearer in the afternoon after taking a nap.

So, what kind of nap is best?

This is extremely important.
"When I say nap, I mean just lying around for an hour..." This could have the opposite effect.

Ideally, it should be 10 to 30 minutes, but no longer than 45 minutes .

In my experience, 15 minutes is the best value for money.
It's okay if you can't sleep. Apparently, just closing your eyes and spacing out can actually help your brain recover.

✔ Recommended nap styles

• Best time : 1pm to 3pm. Take advantage of post-lunch sleepiness.
• Position : Chair is OK. No need to lie down.
• Tools : Eye mask + quiet background music (like the sound of rain) to quickly become “empty”
• Alarm : Always set it! Don't sleep too much!
• When you wake up : Drink some water and stretch lightly

There's also a technique called the "caffeine nap," where you drink coffee and then immediately take a nap.
The caffeine kicks in while you sleep and puts you in peak condition when you wake up.
Sometimes I fail and oversleep, but that's also a happy thing.

The era in which "dozing" saves the brain

I think that in the future, the winners will be those who can make time to doze off.
It is precisely because our brains are so busy with smartphones, PCs, and social media that we need a little time to let ourselves go.

That vulnerability is actually the most creative thing.
It can provide a ``margin'' for maintaining health.

Close your eyes, even if just for five minutes.
Just that alone may be enough for your brain to say "thank you."

Summary: Napping may be a way to save for your brain's future

To summarise this story once again:

• Nappers experienced brain atrophy 2.5 to 6.5 years slower.
• Naps may be key to maintaining brain health, especially for older adults
• Nap time should be no longer than 10-30 minutes
• It's ok if you can't sleep! Just closing your eyes can be effective

And above all, it's important to think of napping as a strategy, not a way to slack off.
What if taking a quick nap could help your brain in the afternoon and in the future?

There's no reason not to do that, right?

So, if you feel sleepy after reading this article,
That's your chance.
You can sit on your futon or sofa right now,
Close your eyes for a moment and give your brain some time.

Your future self will surely thank you.