Sudoku is a simple and mentally stimulating number puzzle game you can play each day of the week—but did you know that the benefits of sudoku go beyond entertainment? Sudoku puzzles have been around for a long time, and there are many studies correlating positive health benefits and regular Sudoku solving.

Here are seven ways playing sudoku benefits one's health:

1. Neuroplasticity and Better Brain Health

Sudoku, like other brain-training activities, can contribute to neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections among brain cells. This adaptability is crucial for overall brain health.

While playing challenging sudoku puzzles isn't a cure-all for everything related to declining neural capabilities, it makes the brain think harder to solve the puzzle, which in turn enhances the possibility of improving other aspects of mental capability.

The younger you start the better

Keep in mind that neuroplasticity has a higher degree of manifestation during the development stages of life, like infancy to teenage years than adulthood. But that doesn't mean older players shouldn't play, as the benefits of playing sudoku to neuroplasticity are still very significant among the elderly, especially to those experiencing cognitive decline.

2. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities

Playing challenging thinking games, from simple word riddles to challenging sudoku puzzles, can assist with cognitive improvement. A sudoku puzzle requires number-based logical thinking, problem-solving skills and critical reasoning.

Regularly playing sudoku can help improve cognitive functions such as memory skills, concentration and attention to detail.

Ease off on the start

If you're planning to introduce brain games like this to a child or an elderly person, choose easier ones first and avoid the more challenging puzzles to help them understand how to play. As they continue solving sudoku puzzles, they'll gradually improve their cognitive abilities as they progress further.

3. Medium Sudoku Puzzles for Memory Improvement

Aside from applying logical thinking skills, sudoku is a game that involves remembering numbers, patterns and potential solutions. Just like how the most competent chess players rely on games they've seen and played, sudoku becomes even easier than it already is when good memory partners up with problem-solving skills.

Constantly playing it can enhance short-term memory and the ability to recall information quickly, such as remembering which row or column had which digits, what corner of a subgrid should you focus on filling in and if there are any number repetitions on other parts of the grid.

4. Higher Chance of Dementia Prevention

While there is no absolute way to prevent or get rid of dementia, engaging in mentally stimulating activities like solving sudoku puzzles is believed to be beneficial in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and other mental illnesses as someone's age progresses.

The National Institute of Aging recommends keeping the minds of the elderly occupied with mentally stimulating activities, and endless free games like those on our website allow them to apply their logical skills in a way that is simple for them to understand.

A goal gives purpose

Giving someone a goal to move toward is also known to help prevent dementia. Even if it is to just fill cells up with numbers for a day, solving sudoku puzzles can still contribute to preventing these illnesses.

However, if you feel that someone you know is starting to show signs of mental degradation or if there are any alarming notes on your own mental check-up, always consult a medical professional.

5. Play Free Sudoku Puzzles for Mental Stimulation

Keeping the brain active is essential for maintaining mental agility and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. This kind of game provides a challenging and enjoyable way to stimulate the brain and keep it engaged, regardless of age and skill.

A good sudoku puzzle successfully infuses mood-improving entertainment and exercises the logical thinking part of your head.

Routines prevent a dull mind

The mental processes involved in Sudoku Conquest like "click those numbers", "choose this column" or "work on solving this row first" help keep the brain into a routine, which assists in lessening the rate of memory loss, especially in older people.

That's why the elderly who have hobbies, like knitting, playing bingo, cooking or other activities can stay more or less the same even as they reach their eighties.

6. Better Social Engagement

Sudoku can be a social activity when enjoyed with friends, family or in a community setting. Back during its emergence in the 1980s, many puzzle enthusiasts tended to meet up and share their custom-made puzzles and challenge one another with difficult conundrums, and sudoku tended to be among them.

Solving puzzles together or competing with others can enhance social interactions, create a sense of camaraderie and fill the emotional needs of those who lack regular social activities. It also helps people enjoy and choose what kind of sudoku puzzle will they discuss with their social circle.

A number of retirement homes even use sudoku as a regular activity for engagement, and many elderly people find these kinds of games to click with them well. While they do ignite healthy competition, sudoku's challenging puzzles also promote collaboration among peers.

7. Increased Dopamine Release

Solving puzzles like sudoku can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can lead to a sense of happiness and motivation to continue engaging in the activity.

This also works for those who do problem-solving in groups, as the feeling of overcoming difficult puzzles with their combined logical and concentration skills fosters deep emotional bonding and joy.

As sudoku players progress and continuously solve, they typically increase the number of grids they play on. Check out more difficult sets created by other people and try out other versions of sudoku if you're looking for more puzzles.

If you want to play more than sheet puzzles like sudoku, then we highly recommend trying solitaire as well!