A short sleep during the afternoon time is known as napping. Most of the people thinks napping is good for just babies and toddlers. But, there are many studies and researches that shows naps are important for adults too. A short sleep in the afternoon could help you lift the mood, boost brain performance, ease stress and allows you much needed relax mind for productivity.
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It boosts memory
Our brain works similar to computer system. Whatever we feel and experience during awake state, it holds by a part of brain tissues. When we sleep, these brain tissues transfer the data to the memory brain cells. Having a nap, transfers early day data to the memory cells. It helps you remember the things that you did earlier in the day for a longer time.
Good for hypertension and blood pressure patients
Hypertension or blood pressure related diseases are the causes of disturbed cells or body tissues. The best way to heal hypertension is to relax your body. Taking a nap (30 minutes-40 minutes) gives a sense of relaxation to your body. A study of ACC on hypertension patients found napping helped them in lowering their blood pressure.
Improves mood
Just like having an enough sleep of 8-10 hours in night charges our body to function properly through out the day, naps too help in improving our mood. A short break for sleep keeps us away from unwanted thoughts. When we break up the naps, we get the much needed enthusiasm for the rest of the day.
How long should a power nap be?
A nap of 25-30 minutes is enough for adults. It will keep you more alert and refreshed. A long nap than this could make you feel lazy and tired. It could affect your productivity.
How long should a nap be for adults vs. kids?
- 0 to 6 months: two or three daytime naps lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours each
- 6 to 12 months: two naps a day, lasting from 20 minutes to a few hours
- 1 to 3 years: one afternoon nap lasting 1 to 3 hours
- 3 to 5 years: one afternoon nap lasting 1 or 2 hours
- 5 to 12 years: no nap needed if they’re getting the recommended 10 or 11 hours of sleep per night