If you like to take a short nap during the day you might be doing your brain a favor. According to a study published in the journal Sleep Health in June of 2023, people who have a genetic predisposition to napping regularly have larger brain volumes than those who don’t.

This suggests that napping may protect against brain shrinkage, which occurs faster in people with cognitive problems and neurodegenerative diseases. But before you rush to your bed or couch, there are some caveats to consider.

What did the study find? How does napping protect against brain shrinkage? What are the optimal conditions for a nap? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First broadcast: 01/08/2023

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