The Health Benefits of Napping
Did you know that humans are programmed to need sleep between one and three in the afternoon? Our natural circadian rhythm causes us to experience a natural dip in energy around this time. It’s no wonder that there are so many health benefits of napping.
The dreaded midday slump might have you wondering if you should take a nap or try to power through until bedtime. Children and seniors alike take naps to meet their daily requirements for rest. So, it only makes sense that the age groups in between could benefit from a nap as well.
Continue reading to learn why you should add a power nap to your daily routine.
Increase Energy Levels
The midday slump that comes after lunch is full of yawns and an overwhelming urge to kick back, relax, and catch some zzzs. In this situation, a nap may be exactly what you need to be more productive in the final hours of the day. Naps are known to boost energy levels which can help you stave off feelings of tiredness and even help you settle into a healthy sleep routine.
You must know how to nap smart if you are going to take advantage of the energy boost. Be sure that you don’t sleep for too long or too late in the day. Limit screen time and caffeine as bedtime approaches so that you don’t have trouble sleeping at night.
Promoting Better Health
Stress can cause your overall physical health to deteriorate. You might develop issues with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, or other related health conditions. Taking regular 20-minute power naps can help to lower these risks.
It’s important to note that a sudden need for naps can mean that you may be dealing with a serious health problem. At Physicians Premier, syndromic testing can help accurately detect specific health conditions.
Naps can also help strengthen your immune system, especially if you aren’t getting enough sleep at night. There are several advantages to napping while you are sick. A nap can increase your body’s ability to fight off sickness or infection and return your body to its normal state.
Regulate Moods and Emotions
Sleep is like a reset button for your mind. When you don’t get enough sleep, you are going to be more likely to react negatively to the situations you’re in.
Getting enough sleep allows you to start each day with a fresh mindset and be ready to take on anything life throws your way. A decent sleep routine can also help to decrease your chance of struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improve Memory and Learning
This 2008 study on memory shows that memory recall was better in those who took a nap versus those who ingested some caffeine. By taking a nap when you are tired, you are making it easier to recall phrases like those on a grocery list. Getting enough sleep also makes learning more information much easier.
Indulge in the Health Benefits of Napping
The vast health benefits of napping can prepare you to recover from or get ready for a potentially sleepless night. However, a sudden need to schedule your day around a nap because you are more tired than usual may be connected to a serious, underlying condition.
You should see a doctor if you notice any odd changes in your sleeping habits. Your body likely knows that something is wrong before you are consciously aware of a health issue.
Contact Physicians Premier with questions you might have about visiting our emergency room in Bryan, TX while you are in the Brazos Valley area.
Sources:
Suni, E., Rehman, A. “Sleep Drive and Your Body Clock.” Sleep Foundation. 29 Jan. 2021. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock
Mednick, S., Cai, D., Kanady, J., and Drummond, S. “Comparing the Benefits of Caffeine, Naps, and Placebo on Verbal, Motor, and Perceptual Memory.” National Library of Medicine. 3 Nov. 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18554731/
