Why taking a nap is good for you
by Karen Rollins May 28, 2018
If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to go to sleep at around 2pm-3pm in the afternoon you’re probably not alone, and now scientists have found that our bodies naturally experience a dip at this time of the day.
But the good news is, if you’re in a position to have a quick sleep, you should probably just go ahead, because napping can actually be good for you.
Napping for a short amount of time, known as a ‘power nap’, can have significant mental and physical benefits.
In fact, a study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a power nap improved performance by 34% and alertness by 54%.
Some of the benefits of napping include:
- Reduced fatigue
- Improved alertness
- Improved performance
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
Obviously if you’re at work, a quick doze off might not be practical, but when you have some time at home during the weekend or while on vacation, experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes of snooze time in a comfortable and quiet room, free from distractions and noise.
Just remember though, there’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep, so you should still aim to get the recommended 8-10 hours during the night.
Sources: The Mayo Clinic /The Guardian
