Afternoon Naps May Improve IQ, Mood And Behavior In Older Kids

Research out of the University of Pennsylvania highlights the numerous benefits associated with napping during childhood. The large study involved around 3,000 kids in China who were found to have fewer issues with problematic behavior, as well as improvements in their school performance and more. The napping didn't have to take place every day in order to experience the benefits.

Napping, in addition to providing parents with a vital break from child care duties, is known alleviate moodiness and behavioral issues in young kids. The new study offers a more precise look at these benefits, detailing the potential positive effects in older kids who nap. The children involved 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 improvements in school performance to the tune of a 7.6-percent increase. As well, these kids had improved mood, which included better self-control, greater levels of happiness, and increased 'grit.' At the same time, behavioral issues decreased.

As well, 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. Though some countries encourage napping in older kids, such as the 10 and 12-year-olds in this study, others socially view napping as an activity reserved for toddlers and very young children, and that may ultimately be to their detriment.