Young children often resist naps, but older adults tend to embrace them. A recent Chinese study shows that midday naps improve mental flexibility in people over a certain age.
In 2019, a Chinese study on children aged 10 to 12 found that post-lunch naps boosted self-control, happiness, reduced behavioral issues, and led to greater academic achievement. For older adults, another Chinese study published in General Psychiatry on January 2, 2021, examined 2,214 participants over age 60. Participants reported their sleep and napping habits before undergoing cognitive tests, focusing on concentration and problem-solving skills.
Napping habits varied in duration and frequency, but regular midday nappers consistently showed superior cognitive performance, including better language fluency and memory, compared to non-nappers.
These findings align with prior Chinese research, including a 2016 study linking afternoon naps to preserved cognitive function. U.S. studies have also connected sleep to immune health. The 2021 study added that naps help regulate immune responses in those with illnesses or cellular damage.
Overall, research confirms that regular naps support physical and mental health as we age. Not everyone can nap easily, though—timing matters. In September 2020, a driver was caught at over 140 km/h asleep in his Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot!
