Sleep is essential for your health and well-being, but many find it hard to get adequate sleep at night. Work, family, and social obligations often take precedence over getting enough rest. Though American culture often takes the view that napping is lazy and a waste of time, a daily nap can recharge your body, replace the sleep you’re missing at night, and make you more productive. There are a number of health benefits to napping.
Related Blog: There are a number of health benefits to napping.
Napping increases alertness. Studies by NASA have shown that a 40 minute nap can increase your level of alertness by 100%. Napping is more effective than both caffeine and exercise at increasing your mental focus. This will reduce errors and make you more productive. A midday nap can prepare you for the second half of your day.
Napping also improves health problems. Sleep deprivation is associated with a number of health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. During sleep, your body is given the chance to heal, reversing the effects of sleep on your day. During sleep, growth hormone is released, which is critical to a number of body functions. If you’re not getting enough sleep at night to feel rested and alert all day, your body is suffering. A daily nap can help you catch up on these crucial hours of sleep.
Memory and learning are improved by napping. During sleep, recent memories are stored in the part of the brain where long-term memories are processed. Longer naps can have more benefits on mental fatigue than shorter naps, though even a 10 minute snooze can help. MRI imaging has shown that brain activity is higher all day in people who nap.
Napping can reduce stress levels. Whether it is the luxury of taking a break, or the physical effects sleep has on the brain, even a short time spent lying in bed can significantly reduce your stress level, improve your mood, and make for a happier you.
Napping can increase creativity. Researchers believe “sleeping on a problem” works, because of a burst of activity in the part of the brain most associated with creativity. Longer naps that allow for REM sleep are more beneficial in this regard.
Napping can boost your mood, your productivity, and your health. Even if you get enough sleep at night, you will see benefits from including a nap as a regular part of your routine. Let us help you get your best sleep! Contact us for information on how to find your perfect mattress.
