Are you feeling a little guilty about your daily mid-afternoon snooze? Well, you don’t need to. Taking a nap in the middle of the day is by no means 21. In fact, you are giving your brain and your body some time to recharge and turn up refreshed. Research has shown that napping is linked with brain size and 22; specifically, it can boost our cognition and memory. In our early 20s, our brain starts shrinking, which gradually slows cognition and increases dementia 23 in later life. The brain size of habitual nappers, however, is found to be better preserved. This suggests that napping may significantly 24 age-related brain shrinkage, and thus lower the possibility of developing dementia. Neurologists also confirm that naps can enhance memory and learning. For students cramming for college exams, napping will help 25 acquired knowledge and learned skills. Understanding how to perfect your nap is vital for reaping its benefits. To begin with, you need to find out the ideal length of a nap. Some studies recommend napping for 20 to 40 minutes, while others 26 shorter naps, such as 15 to 20 minutes. The best nap length, however, may 27 a person’s physical condition and fatigue level. For some people, even a five-minute nap can bring about surprisingly 28 benefits. Furthermore, the environment where naps are taken also plays an important role. A dark space with little distraction is ideal for napping. So, find yourself a quiet place with 29 light or with blackout curtains. If you can’t find a dark room, consider wearing a sleep mask. You can also add some soothing nature sounds to create a relaxing 30, which can make your naps more effective.