Short afternoon naps may aid cognitive function as we age
Written by Robby Berman on February 3, 2021 Fact checked by Alexandra Sanfins, Ph.D.
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A study of older adults in China finds a clear association between brief afternoon naps and stronger cognitive function.
Short, less frequent naps lasting less than 30 minutes, four times a week may be the most helpful.
Sleep patterns often change as we age, with many older people adding an afternoon snooze to their daily schedule. The meaning of such naps has been unclear: Do they help keep the mind agile, or do they signify incipient dementia? A new study may have the answer.