Finding the Best Nap Times for Older Adults

Cognitive decline is an inevitable concern in older adults, leading to a decline in quality of life. Understanding the factors that contribute to this condition is essential to maintaining brain health in older adults.

And finding the optimal amount of sleep may be key to keeping the brain sharp and preventing cognitive decline in older adults, according to News Medical.

Research recently published in the scientific journal BMC Public Health has found the best nap times and nighttime sleep times for older adults to combat cognitive decline.

Ideally, get about 7 hours of sleep a night, which provides the greatest cognitive benefits.

Scientists from China used the 2020 Health and Retirement Study database to investigate the link between cognitive decline and sleep duration in older adults.

Researchers focused on 5,314 participants aged 60 and older, collecting all demographic data, health status and lifestyle information from the participants.

Results found:

About the ideal nap time

People who napped for less than 30 minutes had the lowest risk of cognitive decline.

Napping for 30 to 90 minutes is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline than napping for less than 30 minutes.

Notably, people who do not nap have the highest risk of cognitive decline, according to News Medical.

Cognitive decline is a top concern in older adults.

About the ideal night sleep time

Researchers found that nighttime sleep that is too short or too long increases the risk of cognitive decline.

Specifically, compared to the group that slept 6 to 8 hours a night, sleeping less than 6 hours increased the risk of cognitive decline by 22%. In particular, sleeping more than 8 hours increased the risk by 78%.

And ideally, getting about seven hours of sleep at night provides the greatest cognitive benefits, according to News Medical.

The authors concluded: Both too little and too much sleep increase the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tim-ra-thoi-gian-ngu-trua-va-dem-tot-nhat-cho-nguoi-lon-tuoi-18524110522175648.htm