Those of us ready to lie down after a day at the computer or a shift on our feet would absolutely argue that napping is good. Parents, pets, and little ones all seem to do better after a good nap and daily recharge, but is this actually good for you? Find out the science behind napping and understand the health benefits with this easy nap breakdown.
They're Called Catnaps for a Reason
Any self-respecting cat would let you know they are superior to humans - and they may be right, at least when it comes to sleeping. Humans are one of the few species that take their sleep all in one shot. Most of the animal kingdom sleeps in sessions, and many argue that humans are hard wired to sleep this way too. Often called bi-phasic or poly-phasic sleeping, the idea is that people function best when taking at least a 20 minute siesta (see catnap) in the middle of their day. Proponents of multi-phasic sleep say that daytime napping will increase energy and metabolism, and not have any negative impact on night time sleeping habits.
All Napping is Not Equal
The National Sleep Foundation puts napping into three different types:
- Planned - when you purposely nap before you are even tired.
- Emergency - like falling asleep in class, you simply have no choice here.
- Habit - naps at the same time everyday, common in toddlers and lucky adults.
Short naps around 20-30 minutes are recommended. The NSF also recommends avoiding emergency nap situations, since you may become drowsy while operating machinery or in another dangerous situations. As far as quality of sleep though, all types seem to be created equal.
Why Take a Nap?
To put it simply, sleep is good for you. A short nap during the day will keep you energized without interfering with night time sleep of making you groggy. Some other benefits of naps include:
- Increased reaction times
- Alertness
- Less fatigue
- Sharper memory
- Less clumsiness
- Better moods
- Mental and physical relaxation
- Reduced confusion
As the list of nap benefits go on, it's important to remember that napping works best in a great sleep environment. Whenever possible, create a sanctuary for the senses to improve quality sleep. From lighting to noise to a better mattress, your comfort will maximize those extra minutes and help energize your day. Check with local professionals for advice on the best sleep options for you.
