The need to nap is due to genetic factors, according to science

Human beings are complex individuals; that, despite being of the same species, at the same time we are very different. The differences that distinguish us are motivated by diversity of aspects, but essentially experiences, preferences and genetics.

Genetics precisely dominates us much more than we imagine; far beyond our phenotype or characteristics of our body, genetics can even influence our habits and certain behaviors.

Something that we would never have thought had a direct relationship with our genes is our sleeping habits; but Havard has recently shown that there is a correspondence.

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The siesta: a biological impulse

That desire or need that some people feel to take a nap during the day has a direct relationship with their genes, according to a study conducted from Harvard University. During this study, a review of almost one million people from the UK was conducted.

Through this research, specialists were able to identify 123 regions of the human genome that can be directly related to the habit of napping during the day. For more data, the researchers pointed out that there are 3 possible mechanisms that promote this type of behavior: intermittent sleep at night, waking up very early and the need for hours of sleep greater than the rest of the individuals.

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No one doubts the importance of proper rest hours and it is usually recommended that people sleep for 8 hours a day; however, depending on your individual needs, this may vary. This is the importance of specialists having a good understanding of what are the particular rest needs. Which can greatly help the well-being of a person.

Other factors

In addition to traits directly related to genetics; the need for more sleep could also be related to health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure. It is also possible that for cultural reasons, some people have become used to these types of habits.

How were these conclusions reached?

For this study, participants were asked how often they used to nap during the day: never, sometimes, or usually. Some of these people used monitors to verify responses. Subsequently, a genome study, to identify genes associated with this activity. Thus, they identified the biological factors involved in the need for a daytime nap.

It is important to note that these results respond to two investigations. The first was carried out with more than 400,000 individuals and replicated in more than 500,000; finding identical results. This allows to demonstrate the thesis.

The impetus for carrying out this study was the publication of a research in British Medical Journal, which ensured that a daytime nap of about 5 minutes favors memory, concentration and mental agility. Likewise, it pointed out that people who had this habit could speak more fluently and had better memory than others, among other benefits.

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And you, do you need a nap?