Sleep experts have long suggested that napping during the day can bring a lot of benefits for the average adult: from increasing alertness and boosting creativity to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and brightening your mood. But now, researchers have also found strong evidence that napping can have some incredible benefits for children too.
The study, which involved nearly 3,000 kids from China, revealed a connection between midday napping and greater happiness, self-control, and grit; fewer behavioral problems; and higher IQ. The children participating in the study were in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades with ages from 10 to 12 years old.
According to the study, kids who took midday naps at least three times per week for a duration of 30 to 60 minutes experienced a 7.6 percent increase in their school performance and a considerable decrease in their perceived daytime drowsiness. On top of that, the researchers noted higher IQs in kids who napped multiple times per week; the study found this difference to be greatest in kids who were in the sixth grade.
In contrast, a lack of adequate sleep has been previously linked to a variety of issues, including trouble concentrating, increased risk of depression, behavioral problems, and other possible consequences. The findings hint at the possible benefits kids may experience if allowed to participate in midday naps at older ages.
