Napping is Good for You
Want to feel alert and active? Take a short nap. Have an important evening event that you want to go well, take a longer nap. It seems snatching sleep at hours other than the night has plenty of benefits, from being active (no, taking a nap doesn’t mean you are lazy) to boosting memory and productivity (whoa, my office needs a designated napping room).
Here’s a low-down on how napping is good for you, when one should take the shut-eye and for how long.
Why Nap
Research has shown that naps let you stay fresh, alert and active through the day. They also boost memory and help you focus better, so that you are more productive. Rather than fighting the drowsiness, take a few minutes off for restoration of your body and mind.
Longer naps are even better, especially because they support different learning activities.
How Much to Nap
Have you ever woken up feeling groggy after a nap? Chances are yes and that’s why you are disbelieving about the benefits of the snooze.
Experts say thar short naps, between 10 and 20 minutes do not make you feel lethargic afterwards. Anything longer than 30 minutes, however, will make you stay drowsy for some time after you are up. If you want to sleep longer than 30 minutes, take the 90-minute nap because it’s a complete sleep cycle and will have you well-rested and alert longer into the evening.
When to Nap
Anytime in the day is good for a little sleep. Right? Not really, unless it’s an emergency nap you are taking when you simply cannot go on because you are too tired.
You can take a planned nap, which is just a little before you usually feel tired during the day. That may work best for you, since you are taking rest before the need arises.
A few words of caution, though. Napping is healthy but not so for people with insomnia who already have trouble falling asleep. Naps may disrupt their already fragile sleep cycle. Also, if you have to be at a place and event where you need optimal performance, you might not be fully awake right after a nap. So, factor that consideration into your day.
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