If you are feeling tired, sleep deprived or are just looking for a way to relax, a short nap could be an ideal option. However, napping for too long, too often or at the wrong time of day can lead to complications. How do you get the best value out of a nap? Will you be okay if you shut your eyes for a short daytime nap?
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a healthy nap.
What are the top benefits of napping?
A short nap will offer a range of benefits for healthy adults. Napping provides relaxation for the body and mind, making it a great way to grab a short rest. The period of switching off dissolves physical fatigue and refreshes your mind. A quick nap can help restore body energy levels while providing temporary relaxation. This can have a positive effect on your mood.
Napping will also increase alertness and boost mental activity. People who enjoy short naps tend to have better memory, quicker reactions and an optimal mental performance level. A short nap will help you overcome tiredness and fatigue which can bog you down and dull your alertness.
Does napping have any drawbacks?
A quick short nap can be the solution to feeling lethargic and slow. However, it might also be the cause of some sleep-related disorders.
Napping may cause sleep inertia for some people. Instead of a positive change in mood, some people will wake up disoriented and groggy. This can lead to negative interactions with people around you, which in turn may cause you to have fewer friends.
An ill-timed nap could have knock-on effects at night. If you are napping to make up for lack of sleep, you need to balance the length of your nap to avoid any sleep problems at night. If you sleep too long, you will struggle to fall and stay asleep for the required length of time. As such, your nap will only be beneficial if it is limited to a short amount of time.
Some People who experience poor sleep quality and insomnia will make it harder to get sleep at night by taking a nap during the day. If you are suffering from these disorders, you will be better off staying up all day and sleeping at night instead.
When should you consider taking a nap?
If you enjoy regular amounts of sleep consistently, a nap could be well suited for your needs. Napping will only be potentially dangerous for people already suffering from certain sleep disorders and insomnia. You can take a nap provided you time it for optimal output.
People experiencing unexpected sleepiness or fatigue an also enjoy a timed nap. Those about to experience sleep loss, and those looking to incorporate planned naps into their routines might also enjoy a moment of shut eye.
If you often feel like napping without any new sources of fatigue, you may need to speak to your doctor. You will be better able to address any factors affecting your nightly routines, including underlying conditions.
What is the best way to take a nap?
You should always keep your naps short. You need to target 10-20 minutes of shuteye when napping to avoid feeling groggy when you wake up. This will allow you to enjoy relaxation and rest without strongly impacting your sleep schedule. Most young people will not feel groggy after a nap, which makes them able to enjoy napping even for slightly longer periods.
Time your nap in the early afternoon to avoid interfering with your routine. This will allow you a great amount of time to enjoy the benefits of napping without negatively affecting your sleeping schedule. You should consider factors such as age, medication use and your sleeping schedule to develop an ideal timetable for napping.
Create a relaxing environment for your nap for added value. Always remember to nap in a comfortable and silent surrounding with minimal distractions.
Final word
The right nap can ensure reduced fatigue and improve alertness, mood and reaction times. It helps people find a quick way to relax and refresh their minds. Even though napping offers value for most people, it can be tough to know how to nap right. Consider looking through These furniture guides to find the best setting for your bedroom.
