Good News, People Who Nap Have Bigger Brains!

I believe in taking naps. They're great for rejuvenating you when you are tired or just not feeling 100% up for the day. Maybe it was a late night or perhaps you didn't get enough sleep the night before. Do we really need an excuse for a nap, if you have the time and the place for a nap, then take one.

If you need an excuse for a quick nap, here ya go:  A new study in the journal "Sleep Health" found people who take naps have BIGGER BRAINS.

Our brains shrink as we get older.  But it found that taking short naps when you feel like you need them could help prevent it.  Just don't nap too long.  15 minutes is enough.

Researchers looked at DNA samples and brain scans of more than 35,000 people between 40 and 70 years old.  And they found a noticeable difference between nappers and non-nappers.

Nappers' brains were slightly bigger . . . the equivalent of two-and-a-half to six-and-a-half YEARS worth of shrinkage.

The study didn't show "causation," just "correlation."  Meaning the brains of people who take naps seem to age more slowly.  But it's not clear if it's because they nap, or if there's some other reason.

Take it from our furry friends, naps are good for you. Most animals are nappers, whether it's your pet cat or dog or a lion in the heat of an African summer day, they know that they need their rest and naps are a regular part of their daily routine.

Also, previous studies have found too many naps could actually be harmful, so keep that in mind too.  Excessive napping can even be an early sign of dementia in older adults.

If you're one of those people who says "I'll sleep when I'm dead",  you might find out faster than someone who is getting good zzzs!

But there's good news! There are 5 sleep habits to help you cheat death according to a Boston hospital.

If you follow these 5 sleeping habits, you’re 30% less likely to die from any cause. (I mean, we're all going to die, but you can put it off if you get decent sleep.)

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston report that the benefits of good rest reduce the risk of death from any cause by up to 30 percent.

Overall, life expectancy was 4.7 years greater for men and 2.4 years greater for women who reported having all five quality sleep measures, compared with those who had none or only one of the five favorable elements of low-risk sleep.

Previous studies have shown that getting too little or too much sleep can negatively affect the heart. It has also been widely reported that sleep apnea, a disorder that causes people to pause or stop breathing while asleep, can lead to several heart conditions, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and heart attacks.

The study reveals that those who had all five were 30 percent less likely to die from any cause. They’re also 21 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 19 percent less likely to die from cancer, and 40 percent less likely to die of causes other than heart disease or cancer.

I mean, if you're scrolling TikTok, it's really hard to get to sleep. And you know, there a lot to watch on HBO Max. But this is important. Leave your screen in the other room. It helps.

This might involve meditation. Or someone knocking you out. I like the Calm sleep app. Effective and not violent.

This does not apply to new parents. You're just going to have to wait 18 years to start sleeping through the night.

Forget the Ambien, melatonin and valium. Try Sleepy Time Tea if you are desperate.

Skip the tequila or wine. Even if it's just one. Trust me. It'll change your mornings.