As someone who struggles with sleep, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my energy and alertness during the day. Many people claim that naps are good for your health and wellbeing, but are naps actually right for me? Let’s take a look at what the research says about the benefits and drawbacks of taking naps, and whether napping could help improve my own sleep struggles (when I have the time for them, of course!).
Potential Benefits of Napping:
• Increased alertness and productivity – Several studies have found that naps of 10-30 minutes can improve alertness, memory and performance especially after lunch. The refreshed feeling after a short nap can boost your productivity and concentration for the rest of the day.
• Improved mood – Napping has been linked to improved mood and feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. A short nap can leave you feeling recharged and more positive.
• Better learning and memory – Napping has been shown to improve the consolidation of new memories and information, especially for complex tasks. Napping may aid in learning by giving your brain a chance to “replay” and solidify new memories.
• Healthier heart – Some research suggests that napping may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and death. Regular nappers in one study had a 12% lower risk of heart attack and death from heart disease.
Potential Drawbacks of Napping:
• Disrupted night sleep – Napping too close to bedtime or for too long during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night and disrupt your circadian rhythm. Stick to naps earlier in the day and shorter than 30 minutes to avoid impacting night sleep.
In conclusion, while naps seem to have some potential benefits for alertness, mood and memory, be careful not to let it disrupt nighttime sleep. Keeping any naps you take short and early in the day is key, along with listening to your body and how naps actually make you feel.
As I navigate whether or not napping is right for improving my own energy levels and sleep struggles, consistency, moderation and experimenting slowly will be crucial. While naps may work wonders for some people, if you’re like me, be sure to tread carefully and see if short, intentional naps can actually help improve your alertness and productivity – without negatively impacting the sleep you get at night.
Let me know what you thought about this post and subscribe to my page for more health and wellness-related posts!
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150210141734.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190909193219.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200826083021.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080107110401.htm
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-napping