Recent research suggests that napping may be good for brain health [see here and here]. It may slow the rate that the brain shrinks as we age. The researchers state that napping may protect the brain by compensating for deficient sleep. I would suggest caution here in that often in people who struggle to sleep, napping in the day can subsequently decrease the likelihood of them getting a good night’s sleep. So, one element of sleep hygiene (see the previous post) often involves cutting out daytime napping. In this way (as with most things) it may be a matter of finding the best balance for you.