If you think that taking a nap in the afternoon is a sign of laziness, fatigue, or some other illness, you are mistaken. It is in fact one of the easiest ways to sharpen your brain.
A nap is a short period of sleep, usually taken during the day.
Not all naps are created equal, and many factors impact how helpful naps can be. By understanding the role of napping, you can learn to take effective naps that support your body’s internal clock and maintain your energy level throughout the day.
Types of naps
Recovery Nap: Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling tired the following day. If you are up late or have interrupted sleep one night, you might take a recovery nap the next day to compensate for sleep loss.
Enjoyment Nap: Enjoyment napping can be relaxing and can improve your mood and energy level upon waking.
Essential Nap: When you are feel well, you have a greater need for sleep. This is because your immune system mounts a response to fight infection or promote healing, and that requires extra energy. Naps taken during illness are considered essential.
How long should I nap for ?
Naps can be from 10 to 20 minutes are considered the ideal length. They are sometimes referred to as “power naps” because they provide recovery benefits without leaving the napper feeling sleepy afterward.
If you only have 5 minutes to spare, just close your eyes; even a brief rest has the benefit of reducing stress and helping you relax a little, which can give you more energy to complete the tasks of your day.
Benefits from a nap
Provides a memory boost
Lowers blood pressure
Calms your nerves
Enhances creativity
Boosts willpower
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