In the past, experts have confirmed that short naps may have the potential to boost cognition, focus, and memory. However, new research has unveiled a possible association between a genetic predisposition toward napping and greater brain volume, a key indicator of brain health.
Study Findings Explained
A recent study published in Sleep Health sought to identify a causal relationship between daytime napping, cognitive function, and brain volume. The study was conducted by University College London, the University of the Republic in Uruguay, and The Broad Institute in Massachusetts.The study relied on genetic markers that have been strongly linked to habitual napping in previous genome-wide association studies. Using data from the UK Biobank, 92 genetic variants previously associated with habitual napping were analyzed among the study’s 378,932 participants. The researchers then compared people with three sets of these genetic traits to others, looking at total brain volume, hippocampal volume, reaction time, and visual memory of the participants.
