The power of naps

Uncover the hidden truths about napping, how you can leverage napping for your personal gain and also improve your quality of life! 

 

 What are naps? 

So what are naps you may ask, well naps are short periods of sleep, typically taken during the day, intended to provide a brief period of rest and rejuvenation. Naps are generally shorter than regular night time sleep and can vary in duration anywhere from 10 minutes up to a few hours! 

How can naps help me?

Now, you find yourself asking what can naps actually do for me? and well let me tell you quite a lot... Its no surprise naps help to alleviate your tiredness but lets go into napping & its benefits a little deeper! 

Increased Alertness: A short nap, especially a power nap of around 10-20 minutes, can help combat feelings of fatigue and enhance alertness. It's an effective way to boost cognitive performance and stay focused during the day. 

Improved Mood: Napping can contribute to emotional well-being by reducing irritability and promoting a more positive mood. A brief nap can provide a mental break, helping individuals approach tasks with a refreshed mindset.

Stress Reduction: Taking a short nap can help alleviate stress and tension. It provides a break from the demands of the day and allows the body and mind to relax, promoting a sense of calmness. 

Improved Physical Performance: Athletes often use naps to aid recovery and enhance physical performance. Napping can contribute to muscle repair and reduce the perception of effort during subsequent physical activities.

Reduced Fatigue: Napping can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue. A short nap can provide a quick energy boost and eliminate feelings of tiredness.

How can I nap efficiently?  

Now you know some of napping's key benefits, you ought to know how nap correctly and efficiently! 

1. Time it Right: Schedule your nap during the mid-afternoon, typically between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This aligns with the natural dip in alertness that many people experience after lunch. 

2. Keep it Short: Aim for a short nap, typically around 10 to 20 minutes. This duration helps prevent entering deeper stages of sleep, reducing the likelihood of sleep inertia and grogginess upon waking.

3. Create a Comfortable Environment: Find a quiet, dark, and comfortable place to nap. Use a sleep mask or blackout curtains to block out light, and consider using earplugs, Bluetooth systems or white noise if your environment is noisy.

4. Set an Alarm: To prevent oversleeping, set an alarm for the desired nap duration. This ensures you wake up before entering deeper stages of sleep.

5. Use a Sleep Aid if Necessary: If you struggle to relax and fall asleep quickly, consider using relaxation techniques or calming sounds. Some people find benefits in using apps or devices designed to aid power naps.

6. Practice Regular Napping: If you plan to incorporate napping into your routine, try to do it at the same time each day. Consistency helps regulate your body's internal clock.

Conclusion: 

Now you know exactly what a NAP is, some of napping's key benefits and how to efficiently and effectively nap! Now what you waiting for, if your feeling a bit ran down or worse for wear in the middle of the day go take a 20 minute nap, you deserve it! 

Credits - George Benson go check out his YouTube & Blogs for more sleep & health tips and tricks!  

YouTube: (9) happy, healthy haven - YouTube

Blogs: Happy Healthy Over 50 | Health and Fitness Tips For Over 50's