Classic Scenario
Its 2pm, you’ve just had a nice heavy lunch with your colleagues and you’re now back at work staring at the computer. Your eyes feel like lead as you fight to stay awake. You get up wash your face with cold water and grab another cup of coffee to make it through the day.
Sound familiar?
Why is it that from about 1-3pm it’s a constant struggle to stay awake? Well, its after lunchtime you may say. Here’s an interesting thought, why then do we not feel sleepy after breakfast or dinnertime?
Well according to Dr. Sara Mednick, (author of Take a Nap), this is the peak time in our biological clocks to stop what we are doing, kick off our shoes, and take a nap. Yes, you know, what babies and children do in preschool.
Who’s Who in Napping
If you don’t believe naps are a good thing, consider some of the following individuals who regularly took naps:
- John F. Kennedy
- Thomas Edison
- Albert Einstein
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- Winston Churchill
- Napoleon Bonaparte…
And the list goes on. Countless research has been done that conclusively proves naps are all-around beneficial. Take a look at some of the results below.
Top 10 Benefits of Napping
- Improves stamina
- Increases alertness and motor skills
- Reduces stress and lowers blood pressure
- Enlightens mood and attitude
- Increases accuracy
- Cuts down on company costs related to fatigue
- Preserves youth (beauty sleep)
- Increase in activity/metabolism
- Facilitates weight loss
- Nothing like a good nap!
As you can see, naps are extremely beneficial as well as positive for natural health and well-being. I can honestly say, in the days when I do take naps I feel more alert and productive. While napping is starting to gain some attention on the benefits there are still people who have a negative view of catching some extra zzz’s. Below are some common myths about napping:
Myth #1
Isn’t Napping a Waste of Time?
Today, I often hear quoted, “I don’t have time to sleep, much less take a nap”
or how about the ever popular, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” … Again, research shows a short 30-60min nap can boost productivity, creativity, as well as accuracy. Much more effective than dragging through the day fighting to stay awake. This can even be dangerous at some professions where machinery is used, driving long hours, or precision is needed (think surgeons).
Myth #2
Taking a Nap Will Hinder My Nighttime Sleep
This is also an inaccurate statement. Obviously, if you lay down for about 4 hours in the evening, and wake up at 10pm expecting to go to bed at 11:00pm, you’ll be in for a long night. While each individual is different, it is suggested that 20 - 90min naps are optimal and do not affect nighttime sleep. The best time to nap is 1-3pm, when the sun is at its peak. (Ever heard of the siesta in Spain or Mexico?) Consider this, humans are the only mammals that sleep in 1 phase per day. All other animals sleep in multi-phases, just watch your dog or cat everyday, they love to take naps!
Myth #3
Taking a Nap is Just Lazy!
If you want to argue this you can, but research concludes naptakers outperform those who don’t hands down. Just a short 25min nap can increase productivity by as much as 30%! Scroll back up and look at the list of famous nappers one more time, even former President William Clinton was known to retire everyday at 3pm for a short powernap.
Bottom line: don’t feel guilty, take a nap, it’s healthy!
(Feel free to leave a comment on this article or your opinion)
Filed in: Sleep & Relaxation
