New research from the University College London suggests people with a genetic disposition for taking naps have larger brain volumes than non-nappers.
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The study analyzed data from 378,932 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69. Researchers looked for 92 genetic variants linked to habitual napping and assessed brain volume, an indicator of brain health.
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Lead researcher Valentina Paz reported this increase equals about 2.6 to 6.5 fewer years of brain aging.
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“Sleep has been shown to be important for flushing toxins out of the brain, and thus maintaining health,” Dr. Penelope Lewis from the University of Cardiff commented.
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h/t: Medical News Today
Photo: Dan Burton / Unsplash
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