Taking naps: Good or bad for dementia risk?
Napping is a common habit, especially as we get older. But does catching some midday Z’s help or hurt our chances of developing dementia? Recent research gives us some clues, but the answer isn’t totally clear-cut.
A new study looked at older women in their 80s and found some interesting connections between sleep patterns and dementia risk[1][3]. Women who became increasingly sleepy during the day over a 5-year period had about double the risk of developing dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns[1][3]. This doesn’t necessarily mean napping causes dementia, but it suggests there might be a link.
However, not all naps are created equal. Short naps (under 30 minutes) seem to be better for brain health than longer ones[7]. Brief naps can boost alertness and brain function without messing up nighttime sleep[7]. On the flip side, napping for more than an hour has been linked to a higher risk of type-2 diabetes, which can affect brain health[7].
Some studies have found that frequent, longer naps might predict a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease[7]. But it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation – does napping increase dementia risk, or do early brain changes from dementia cause more napping? We’re not sure yet.
It’s worth noting that napping habits vary around the world. In some countries, like China and Japan, napping at work is seen as a sign of hard work[7]. In Mediterranean countries, the afternoon siesta is a cultural norm[7].
So what’s the takeaway? If you enjoy a short nap and it doesn’t interfere with your nighttime sleep, it’s probably fine. In fact, it might even give your brain a little boost. But if you find yourself needing longer or more frequent naps, especially if this is a change from your usual pattern, it might be worth mentioning to your doctor. It could be a sign of other health issues that need attention.
Remember, good nighttime sleep is crucial for brain health. Naps shouldn’t replace a solid night’s rest. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, that’s definitely something to discuss with a healthcare professional.
In the end, listening to your body and maintaining overall good sleep habits are key to keeping your brain healthy as you age.
