While napping is an activity enjoyed by both children and adults alike, there are a number of factors that need to be considered in order to experience napping benefits. For children, it’s vastly different than it is for adults, as children generally require moments of napping for their development. For adults, it’s all about understanding the best time to take a nap in order to enhance productivity, overall health, and well-being. Let’s take a dive into understanding the benefits of napping, and some things that should be considered.
Napping Benefits & Drawbacks
Power Nap Benefits
When it comes to discussing the benefits of napping, we are talking more about brief naps as opposed to longer time periods – this is due to the nature of long naps, where you can fall into a deep sleep and experience REM cycles. Brief naps, around 20 to 30 minutes, allow you to wake up feeling refreshed, alert, and can improve your mood among other things.
A short midday nap also has the capability to boost workplace performance as it improves cognitive functions such as memory, logical reasoning, and the ability to complete complex tasks more effectively. Some studies also suggest that physical performance is improved after napping (this is great for athletes who require efficient endurance, reaction times, and cognitive performance).
Power nap benefits also include positive impacts on a person’s overall health. Napping one or two times a week has been associated with lower risks of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and even heart disease. In saying that, more research is required to be able to understand the complex ways in which the frequency and duration of naps impacts heart health.
Making Healthy Sleep Habits Out of Napping
Set Aside Allotted Time Each Day
If you wake up feeling groggy after a nap, chances are you have slept for too long. The ideal timeframe for a nap is anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes and generally between 2pm and 3pm because you’re more likely to experience lower levels of alertness or sleepiness following lunch.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Some people find it a struggle to sleep during the day, but there are things you can do to assist in feeling more relaxed if you don’t wish to sleep. Start with eliminating any distractions before laying down; which means turning off or silencing your phone. Next, find a quiet space with minimal light, adjust the room temperature if you can, and make the space comfortable for your body.
Allow Adequate Time to Wake Up
One of the most important parts of this process is allowing adequate time for your body to wake up before resuming any activities after your nap. This is important to avoid feeling the onset of grogginess, or lack of alertness. If you struggle with ongoing daytime fatigue, we recommend reaching out to your GP, as further examinations and sleep testing may be required to rule out any health conditions.
Introduce Healthy Sleep Habits With Wenatex
If you enjoyed reading about napping benefits and you’re interested in elevating your sleeping environment, browse our selection of dedicated sleeping equipment such as an ergonomic bed, mattresses, and so much more. Have a question? Give us a call on 1300 858 139 or reach out via email enquiries@wenatex.com.au.
