Sleep is vital for learning and memory, and lack of sleep severely affects our health. Insufficient amounts of sleep have been tied to a host of troubling outcomes, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, an Australian researcher says that an afternoon nap is absolutely necessary for functioning at full capacity.
University of Adelaide neural specialist Fiona Kerr says that taking a nap is absolutely necessary. She states, “The best nap is really the 15-30 minute nap. It increases alertness, memory, cognition and mood.” However, according to the researchers, napping should be kept under half an hour, otherwise, it can have the opposite affect.
Health Benefits of Napping
Naps are absolutely vital. They are one of the most powerful tools to be more productive and alert. Did you know that Thomas Edison, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Napoleon were always napping whenever they could?
Naps Can Reduce Stress
Naps can reduce stress. Scientists from the Sorbonne University in Paris found that a short nap was effective in relieving stress in men who had only slept two hours the night before.
Improve Memory
Napping has the ability to improve memory. When an adequate amount of sleep is achieved in a 24-hour period, the brain can concentrate more on learning activities.
Can Lower Blood Pressure
One study discovered that people who napped from 45 to 60 minutes had lower blood pressure even when going through a stressful experience.
Can Put You in a Better Mood
Some people might be cranky because they are sleepy. Research suggests naps help improve emotional regulation
Napping Restores Immune System
Researchers say adequate sleep helps T cells in your body fight off infection and strengthen your immune system.
What’s the best time of day to nap?
Experts say the perfect time to take a nap is usually between one p.m. and four p.m. Napping later than that could interfere with your night schedule. .