Napping is magical. It is a great way to recharge your energy and refresh your mental state. According to sleep experts, a 90-minute daytime nap can improve many things such as increased alertness, enhance your sex life, reduce the risk of heart attack, boost creativity, brighten your mood, reduce stress, improve perception, stamina, motor skills and accuracy, aid in weight loss, and boost memory.
Dr. Sara Mednick, in her book, Take a Nap! Change Your Life, writes that:
“Daytime naps can be one way to treat sleep deprivation. You can get incredible benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of napping. You reset the system and get a burst of alertness and increased motor performance.”
Health Benefits Of Taking A Midday Nap
It Could Be The Difference Between Life And Death
According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sleeping for less than six hours make a person at higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Experts think that people who sleep less are more stressed out and this is a contributing factor to the development of such fatal conditions.
Improved Physical Health
Inadequate amount of rest negatively affects your heart and increases your risk of heart diseases. In a British study conducted, it was found that lack of sleep triggers your brain to send signals to your blood vessels to make them stiff and responsive thus making them less flexible. As much as possible, have a regular nap to bring back your blood vessels to normal and make it healthy.
Improved Memory And Learning Capabilities
A 90-minute nap can boost your memory thus retaining information more effectively. When you sleep, your brain goes into a calm, relaxed state which is linked to your ability to remember. In a study conducted, it was found that a nap after learning something new can make a person five times more likely to remember it as compared when he hadn’t napped at all.
You’ll Have Laser Focus This Afternoon
The more hours we spend awake, the more sluggish our brains become. Siesta during the day can help you pay better attention later that day.
Reduced Stress And Improved Mood
Napping is the best way to keep you calm and in high spirits as well as to keep your anxiety levels in check. A person deprived of sleep is at increased risk for an anxiety disorder. Additionally, experts claim that even if you don’t end up falling asleep, resting in your bed can also lower your stress levels.
Your Skin Will Thank You
According to research, staying up all night can make you age faster since it weakens your skin’s ability to repair itself. If you are one of those sleep-deprived individuals then you may have more fine lines, loose skin, and uneven skin tone.
Tips To Better Napping
Time it right – The best time to nap is between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
Set your alarm – 60 to 90-minute napping can help create and improve memory.
Eliminate light – wear an eye mask or and turn off electronic devices.
Quiet the Noise – Pop in earplugs or turn on a white-noise machine if you’re trying to snooze in a noisy environment.
Cozy up – Since your body temperature drops when you sleep you need to pull on a blanket but make sure it’s not too heavy.
Try to stay on a regular nap schedule and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sweet dreams folks!
