Find out the best nap and nighttime nap times for older adults

And finding the optimal amount of sleep may be key to keeping the brain sharp and preventing cognitive decline in older adults, according to the journal. News Medical.

The study has just been published in the journal Science BMC Public Health, found the best nap times and nighttime sleep times for older adults to combat cognitive decline.

Scientists from China used the 2020 Health and Retirement Study database to investigate the link between cognitive decline and sleep duration in older adults.

Researchers focused on 5.314 participants aged 60 and older, collecting all demographic data, health status and lifestyle information from the participants.

Results found:

About the ideal nap time

People who napped for less than 30 minutes had the lowest risk of cognitive decline.

Napping for 30 to 90 minutes is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline than napping for less than 30 minutes.

Notably, people who don't nap have the highest risk of cognitive decline, according to News Medical.

About the ideal night sleep time

Researchers found that getting too little or too much sleep at night increases the risk of cognitive decline.

Specifically, compared to the group that slept 6 to 8 hours a night, sleeping less than 6 hours increased the risk of cognitive decline by 22%. In particular, sleeping more than 8 hours increased the risk by 78%.

And ideally getting about seven hours of sleep a night provides the greatest cognitive benefit, according to News Medical.

The authors concluded: Both too little and too much sleep increase the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.