Chinese researchers have discovered that a short nap after lunch can improve cognitive functions .
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Feeling that you are about to doze off after a hearty meal? Then you probably should, since it will help you focus better on your tasks. A team of Chinese researchers has discovered that people who take short naps after lunch show improvements in cognitive functions then dose who refuse to take short naps.
Oddly enough, the study determined that there is no significant difference in terms of cognitive functions between those who refuse to take naps after lunch and those who oversleep after a rich meal. We all know that a good night’s sleep can help us solve just any problem, and there’s a good reason for why this happens, since sleep helps our bodies regenerate.
Remember the last time someone told you to sleep on a problem or that the answer may come in your sleep? Well, it would seem that the recent sleep study proves that we fare better on memory and mathematical test after a short nap.
To determine how much a quick nap can help us, the team of researcher led by Dr. Junxin Li, solicited the help of over 3,000 volunteer from all over China. Note that all participants were 65 years of age and healthy.
Some of the participants were asked to take a short nap after lunch, while the others were asked to stay awake. Of course, while some of them opted for short, power naps (30 to 60 minutes), other would tend to sleep more.
After the participants woke up, the team asked them to take simple mathematical and memory tests. The results are indeed astounding. According to the team, those who chose to take a short nap (between 30 and 60 minute, aced the cognitive tests, while those who overslept or refused to take a nap had poorer scores.
The study also managed to reveal another fact. Taking a moderate nap after a hearty meal keep our brain five years younger. The study’s conclusions were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Bottom line: if you feel that you are about to doze off after a good and rich lunch, do yourself your favor, find a pillow, and call the Sandman. The chances are that you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on any kind of problem.
Image source: Pixabay
John Birks
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