11/11/2026
Taking a short afternoon nap may do more than just help you feel refreshed. Research has linked regular daytime napping with better brain health and larger brain volume, potentially associated with slower brain ageing.
However, this doesn’t mean naps can literally reverse seven years of ageing. The benefits depend on sleep quality, duration, and overall lifestyle.
One 2023 study led by researchers at University College London analysed data from nearly 379,000 people and found that habitual napping was associated with a brain volume difference equivalent to approximately 2.6–6.5 years of ageing.
A short afternoon nap of around 20–30 minutes can also help improve alertness and cognitive performance.
Disclaimer: This research does not prove that napping reverses ageing or prevents dementia. More research is needed to establish long-term benefits.