Habitual napping was associated with larger total brain volume, which is in turn associated with a lower risk of dementia and other diseases, according to researchers from University College London and the University of the Republic of Uruguay. The researchers estimated the difference in brain volume between nappers and non-nappers was equivalent to 2.5 to 6.5 years of aging.
Nappers tend to feel more alert and clearheaded after a snooze, and there's a movement afoot to permit naps on the job, particularly for office workers. Naps are especially helpful for people who don't work regular schedules or who are doing shift work. Aging bladders can wake us up during the night, too. If you don't fall back asleep right away, a nap the next day might be just the thing.
Everyone has a bad night once in a while. However, consult your doctor if you experience many consecutive nights of disrupted sleep and days filled with naps. You might need a sleep study to determine whether something like sleep apnea could be the cause.