Mid-day naps improve happiness, behavior, and academic performance in kids ages 10 to 12. This, from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.
The research team studied nearly 3,000 kids from fourth grade through sixth grade. Researchers analyzed napping frequency and duration, psychological factors like happiness, and physical measures such as body mass index. Additionally, they asked teachers about the kids’ behavior and academic performance.
Researchers found a connection between midday napping and greater happiness as well as fewer behavioral problems. Additionally, kids who made a habit of midday napping performed better at school: those who napped three or more times per week had a 7.6% increase in academic performance by grade 6.
This study suggests that napping during the day is widely beneficial for kids. Researchers hope these findings influence more schools to incorporate naptime into their curriculum.
Source:
Liu, J., Feng, R., et al. (2019, May 28). Midday napping in children: Associations between nap frequency and duration across cognitive, positive psychological well-being, behavioral, and metabolic health outcomes. Sleep. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/sleep/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/sleep/zsz126/5499200?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Let’s keep in touch! Sign up to receive our newsletter:
Taylor Bennett
Start a Relationship with An Exceptional Counselor
- Skilled and caring professional counselors
- Accepting all major and most insurances
- High-touch customer service & premium benefits
- Same- or next-day appointments
- Ultra-flexible 23.5hr cancellations
