How Taking A Nap In The Afternoon Can Benefit Your Health

Sometimes there is nothing better than a good afternoon nap, you wake up feeling refreshed and well rested and like you can take on the rest of the day. Luckily for us, it turns out that taking a nap in the afternoon is welcomed, as long as it is not too long. Quick afternoon naps allow your body to recharge and regenerate in order to complete the rest of the day with a good energy level.

Why you should take a nap

If you are feeling a bit tired and rundown in the early afternoon, taking a short afternoon nap can have great benefits. The timing of afternoon naps is quite important, you should always ensure that your afternoon nap is not too early as you will not feel its effects, and not too late that it is too close to the time you go to sleep for the night. Setting an alarm for 90 minutes can help ensure that you do not oversleep which can cause you to feel even more tired and groggy than before.

1 It will make you more alert

According to studies, taking a nap, no matter how short, can boost your level of alertness. Short naps are great for improving your attention as they provide restorative sleep without causing drowsiness after waking.

2 It will improve your memory and learning ability

Poor sleep quality is known to cause mental fatigue. Scientists have found that napping for 30 to 90 minutes can cause individuals to have better recall which is a sign of a good memory. While short naps between 10 to 30 minutes are great for increasing energy, longer naps between 30 and 90 minutes are more restorative and beneficial for learning.

3 It will make you more creative

Napping has been shown to regulate moods and enhance creativity and increase productivity. Studies have shown that after at least 90 minutes of sleep, the right side of the brain lights up as we approach the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. This stage of sleep is commonly known to connect unrelated concepts on an unconscious level, and has a direct link to dreams and creativity. So, if you are a creative person, you may find that after napping you may feel more creative and have new ideas or concepts.

4 It will help you relax

It may seem obvious but taking a nap can cause you to feel calmer and more relaxed. Even if you do not nap for a prolonged amount of time, the quiet along time laying down with your eyes closed can be just as relaxing.

5 It will improve your mood

Sleeping is a natural way for your body to rejuvenate and refresh itself. When you are fully rested, your mood is generally better and regulated. Taking a quick afternoon nap can help regulate your moods, therefore preventing outbursts and irritability.